Restorative Justice is about communication

Restorative justice is two-way communication between those harmed (victims) and those responsible for the harm (offenders) following a crime.

Restorative Justice (or RJ) brings those harmed by crime and those responsible for the harm into communication, either directly or indirectly. All are supported through the process by Restorative Justice facilitators, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.

For some people who have been affected by crime, it can help them to explore why the crime happened. It can help victims move forward and feel less fearful of crime in the future.

Evidence shows that most people who take part in a Restorative Justice process come away feeling satisfied because it has allowed them to have their say.

Restorative Justice has a proven, significant impact in supporting victims and allowing them to move forward with their lives. 85% of victims who have participated in Restorative Justice would recommend the Restorative Justice process.

For offenders, Restorative Justice can help provide the opportunity for them to accept responsibility and recognise the impact that their offending behaviour has had on others. The process can also allow offenders to seek ways to repair some of the harm caused and make amends.

In this way, Restorative Justice has the potential to help rehabilitate offenders and support them in addressing their offending behaviour.

What happens next?

Thinking about Restorative Justice?

You don't need to have made a decision about taking part before you contact us.

If you'd like to find out more, call us on 0800 043 8785 or email hiow@restorativesolutions.org.uk.

A trained member of our team will listen to what has happened and explain how Restorative Justice might be able to help.

There is no obligation to take part.

1. Get in touch

When you contact us, a trained Referrals Coordinator will speak with you about your circumstances, answer your questions and explain more about the service.

You can contact us yourself, or someone supporting you can contact us with your consent.

You don't have to decide anything at this stage.

2. Find out if Restorative Justice is right for you

If you would like to explore Restorative Justice further, your case will be allocated to a Lead Practitioner.

They will arrange a conversation with you to explain the process, discuss what you would like to achieve and consider whether Restorative Justice is suitable.

They will also talk with you about any support you may need and make sure your safety and wellbeing are considered.

3. Preparation

Restorative Justice is voluntary for everyone involved.

If you and the other person are both interested in taking part, practitioners will work with each of you separately to prepare.

This can take some time. There is no pressure to communicate before you are ready.

The practitioners will consider the circumstances of the case, any risks and the views and needs of everyone involved before agreeing whether the process can go ahead.

4. Choose how you communicate

Restorative Justice doesn't always mean sitting in the same room as the other person.

Depending on what is right for everyone involved, communication could include:

Face-to-face Meeting in a safe, neutral location with a trained facilitator.

✉️ Letters Exchanging letters through the Restorative Justice team.

  Messages through a facilitator The practitioner passes messages between you.

Phone or video Communicating remotely where this is appropriate.

You can discuss the options with practitioners before deciding what feels right for you.

5. If you choose to meet

If a face-to-face Restorative Justice Conference takes place, it will be carefully prepared and facilitated by trained practitioners.

Everyone will have an opportunity to:

• Talk about what happened
• Explain how they have been affected
• Ask questions
• Listen to the other person's perspective
• Discuss what could help repair some of the harm
• Agree any actions or next steps

The practitioners will support everyone throughout the meeting.

6. What happens afterwards?

The practitioners will talk with you afterwards about how you feel and whether you need any further support.

Where appropriate, the people involved may agree actions to help repair some of the harm or move forward.

There is no expectation that everyone will have the same experience or outcome. The process is about giving people the opportunity to communicate and find a positive way forward.

How long does it take?

Every case is different.

The length of the process depends on the circumstances, the needs of the people involved and the type of communication chosen.

Some cases may progress relatively quickly, while others require more preparation and time.

The process is free and voluntary.

What if I change my mind?

That's okay.

You can decide not to take part, or change your mind about participating, at any stage.

The other person can also choose whether or not to participate.

If Restorative Justice isn't appropriate or someone chooses not to take part, our team can discuss other options and signpost you to appropriate support where needed.

Want to find out more?

You don't have to decide whether Restorative Justice is right for you before contacting us.

0800 043 8785 hiow@restorativesolutions.org.uk