How Restorative Justice has helped victims to cope and to recover

Are certain crimes off limits for Restorative Justice?

No. Restorative Justice can be used for any crime where there is an identifiable victim and offender, as long as both parties agree to take part. Restorative Justice is available for all offences, and at any point after the offender has been sentenced. 

Does Restorative Justice affect the sentence the offender gets?

If a case goes to court then sentencing is always up to the Judge. Restorative Justice is not an alternative to sentencing, it’s something that is used as well as it, usually after a sentence has been given, so has no impact on sentencing decisions.  The Judge is the only person who can decide on the appropriate sentence for the crime that the offender has committed.

Does Restorative Justice have to happen face-to-face?

Restorative Justice can be done both directly and indirectly. Direct Restorative Justice involves a face-to-face conference. If a victim or offender would prefer not to, or are unable to meet face-to-face, Indirect Restorative Justice can be facilitated through phone calls, video calls, letter writing, emails, or passing on messages through a third party.

Does Restorative Justice involve forgiveness?

Restorative Justice can sometimes involve forgiveness, but it doesn’t have to and it’s not expected to.

For some victims and survivors who engage in Restorative Justice, it is important to them that the offender takes full responsibility and is remorseful. However, there are some victims who engage in Restorative Justice because they just want an opportunity to tell the offender how the crime impacted them, and for the offender to think about the consequences of their actions.

How do Restorative Justice referrals work?

Both victims and offenders can self refer if they are interested in pursuing Restorative Justice. Victim referrals can also come from Victim Support or Victim Liaison Officers, support agencies and GPs. Offender referrals can come from police, probation, or prison officers. 

How much does it cost to take part in Restorative Justice?

It’s free to take part in Restorative Justice with us.  

Is Restorative Justice mediated?

Absolutely. All Restorative Justice conferences are mediated by trained professionals, known as Restorative Justice Facilitators. Other organisations or individuals involved to best assess risk may also be present throughout the process. 

What are the benefits of Restorative Justice for offenders?

Restorative Justice helps offenders to see the impact of their actions

It allows offenders the opportunity to apologise and explain

It gives them the opportunity to make amends where possible

It helps the offender put the crime behind them

It reduces reoffending rates by 14%

What are the benefits of Restorative Justice for victims of crime?

Restorative Justice can reduce victim’s symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD after a crime takes place.

It empowers victims and gives them a chance to have their voice heard, taking back control.

It allows them the opportunity to ask any questions they might have about the crime, e.g ‘why me?’, ‘did you target me specifically?’.

It helps the victim put the crime behind them. 

What happens if I don’t want to take part in Restorative Justice anymore?

Restorative Justice is a completely voluntary process for both victim and offender. You can change your mind at any time throughout the process, either by opting out or opting in.

What happens if I want to communicate with my offender but they don’t want to communicate with me?

Restorative Justice has to be voluntary for both victims and offenders; if the offender decides they do not want to communicate with you, our team will talk to you about what other support you might want.