Restorative Justice –
Within the Criminal Justice System, Restorative Justice gives victims a chance to get answers to their questions and tell an offender how they have been affected, it also gives offenders a chance to understand how what they have done affects others and a chance to make amends for their behaviour.
Restorative Justice certainly isn’t an easy option, however those that take part in the process feel it is very productive. 78% of victims who took part in restorative justice would recommend it to others and 80% of offenders who took part said they would be less likely to reoffend. Restorative justice also provides an 85% victim satisfaction rate.
Restorative Justice is used across the country, it ensures that it involves victims throughout, it can explain to an offender the impact of the crime, seek an explanation and apology from the offender or play a part in agreeing restorative or reparative activity for the offender this can be, a face to face meeting, giving answers to any questions a victim may have, working for free for a charity, paying to repair any material damage, or keeping the victim informed of their progress in getting off drugs or finding a job. It is important to remember that no victim gets made to contact the perpetrator. The Ministry of Justice is keen to see it continue and have pledged £30 million to spend on Restorative Justice by 2016. For every £1 spent on Restorative Justice, saves up to £8 by reducing the cost of reoffending. Here in Northumbria we continue to work with partners to develop an effective and strong Restorative Justice.
In provide funding to Victims First Northumbria to support victims and deliver restorative justice as part of a victims journey of recovery following a crime. Please visit the Victims First website where you can learn more about RJ and the services they can provide www.victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk
You can view Victims First Northumbria restorative justice leaflet here.
If you think Restorative Justice could work for you, please ring 0191 221 9800 and we will work with our partners to help you.
A victim’s guide to #RestorativeJustice explaining access to services https://vimeo.com/rjcouncil/victims-guide
Welcome to our Restorative Justice page, we hope you find the information contained in this section of our website useful.
Case Study: Paul
Paul was a prolific burglar and had a number of convictions, he never appreciated the affect his actions had on the home owners.Since he has met the victims of his crimes, he understands the effects of his actions and has started to turn his life around. Paul wouldn’t want one of his family to feel the same way as his victims had. Thanks to the voice of his victims, Restorative Justice has helped Paul turn his life around.
Case Study: Sarah
Sarah had been on a night out with friends and was walking home as it was a warm summer night. On her journey home, she was assaulted – she didn’t see who had attacked her. This made Sarah fearful to go out, she thought her attacker was a well built person – this was the image that she couldn’t get out of her head.Through Restorative Justice she met her attacker, she saw he was young, just over 5ft 4 tall and she no longer felt fear. She questioned him about why he did what he did and Sarah got an apology.
Restorative Justice worked for Sarah
Restorative Justice Council – Moving on
A short film from the restorative justice council, which brings to life the way many victims continue to suffer the effects of crime long after the event and how restorative justice can help.
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