The Victims' Commissioner Has Launched the 2022 Victims' Survey
Dame Vera Baird QC, the Victims’ Commissioner, has launched the 2022 Victims’ Survey. The survey should only take around...
Restorative Justice (RJ) is an approach to justice that focuses on the needs of victims, offenders and the wider community, as opposed to simply punishing the offender. RJ is victim focussed and lets victims tell offenders the real impact of their crime.
RJ is shown to improve victim satisfaction and reduce re-offending.
RJ holds offenders, either young people or adults, directly accountable to their victims and can bring them together in a facilitated meeting. It can be an alternative way of dealing with a crime and/or anti-social behaviour rather than going through a more formal route using the courts. However, it can also operate alongside the criminal justice system, in response to a more serious crime.
RJ often improves victim satisfaction levels by enabling them to have a say in the way a crime or incident is dealt with. Victims are empowered and are able to suggest how the offender can acknowledge the impact of their actions and make up for some of the harm caused by their behaviour.
The process enables a victim to understand why they were victimised and offers closure assisting them to move on from the experience.
Evaluation found that 85% of victims that participated in the conferencing method of RJ were satisfied with the experience. The MoJ fully accepts these findings and so supports a face-to-face meeting being the aim of RJ intervention, but with a suitable alternative being used where the meeting is against the wishes of the participants or is not safe.
RJ ensures the wider community has a direct voice to explain the impact an offender’s behaviour has had on the local area, and to help inform the outcome. Without formal criminal justice sanctions, there may continue to be repeat incidents of the same issue if victims and offenders have not resolved their differences. An RJ process at an early stage can prevent minor incidents becoming more serious.
To find out more contact RJDorset@restorativesolutions.org.uk
Jackie Willson, Service Delivery Manager RJ Dorset
We’d love to talk to you about how we can find a solution for you.
I'm so glad I am working with RJ. I don't know who would listen to me if it wasn’t for you.
RJ is very underrated and I certainly think we should be using it more.
Very satisfied – it’s been a great service. A worthwhile process for me and I hope for the offenders. Staff have been great and I would like to thank them.
It was the right thing to do. Both victims told me to let go of what happened. I didn't want to hear it but they both forgave me and said I should move on. I have taken that on and thought about it and I have come to terms with what happened. You've helped me significantly. It's as though my head has been lifted of a gigantic weight.
Thanks for your time today. I feel like you understand R so well, I really hope you can help him to learn how to be happy.
Restorative Justice offers a unique opportunity for victims and survivors to move on from and overcome the trauma that can be left with them after experiencing crime. I am exceedingly proud of the work that the team at Restorative Solutions do in supporting our community. We should always consider the needs of victims of crime and this service exemplifies that sentiment and allows so many to put behind them what can be the worst experience of their lives.
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