Restorative Justice is about communication

Restorative Justice can create an opportunity for those harmed by crime or conflict, and those responsible for the harm, to communicate about what has happened. It is a safe, empowering process where all parties are supported to repair the harm and find 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.

Learn more about Restorative Justice

To learn more please contact our team on freephone 0800 043 8785 or email hiow@restorativesolutions.org.uk.

Restorative Justice Hampshire will seek to understand what has happened and the impact it has had on you, and we will talk you through your options.


What happens next?

If you would like to learn more about the Restorative Justice process, a member of our team will meet with you to talk through your options. We will seek to understand what has happened and the impact it has had on you.

Afterwards, if you feel that you would like to communicate through a Restorative Justice process, the service will try to arrange this. Any involvement is completely voluntary for all parties and the timing and method of any Restorative Justice communication or meeting will be in line with the needs of all parties involved.

The service is free of charge and is completely confidential and impartial.


The process

If parties agree to meet, and the Restorative Justice team assess that a meeting will be safe for those involved, the facilitators will carry out preparation work using a trauma informed approach. They will ensure that the individual needs of participants are at the centre of any process. Further preparation is carried out with all parties including any supporters such as a friend or family member before arranging a Restorative Justice conference.

The Restorative Justice conference will be facilitated in a safe and neutral venue. The facilitators will ensure a fair process for all, where each participant will have the opportunity to talk about what happened and together agree the best way forward. However, if a face-to-face meeting is not agreeable or safe, facilitators will support another form of communication such as indirect shuttling of information between parties or an exchange of letters.


Why do offenders take part?

Restorative Justice can be helpful for offenders because it enables them to understand the impact that their actions during the incident have had on the victim. It gives offenders the opportunity to listen and answer any questions the victim has and to consider the consequences of their behaviour.

Let’s see how Restorative Justice can help you

Talk to our team in confidence

Email Us

Or call us on 0800 043 8785

Case Studies

A Burglary In Southampton

"When the police told me about Restorative Justice, I was interested straight away and they referred me to the Restorative Justice service.

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A Residential Burglary on the Isle of Wight

Three offenders entered a residential property on the Isle of Wight on numerous occasions during the evening and early morning, searched rooms, and stole property.

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Assault Resulting in ABH

A male had intervened to prevent a domestic assault, and had himself been badly assaulted by the offender, causing ABH injuries.

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Conditional Cautions and Restorative Justice

One evening in December 2023, Brad was driving along a motorway when a car indicated to join the carriageway from a slip road, causing him to swerve and brake.

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Conspiracy to Burgle

This case was referred to our service via the Officer In Charge as the harmer had contacted him wishing to try to apologise to the harmed.

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Indirect Restorative Justice Following Sexual Assault

A victim’s father-in-law sexually assaulted her during a family event.

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Injury By Dangerous Driving

The offender, Sam*, had committed the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

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Neighbours' Dispute

A neighbours’ dispute had been occurring between John*, who owned a house adjoining a public right of way, and Frank*, who was the son of the owner of a plot of land opposite John’s house, for many years.

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Non-Recent Child Sexual Abuse

The offences against Joshua were of a sexual nature and were committed in the 1980s, when Joshua was aged between 10 and 15 years old.

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Residential Burglaries in Hampshire

Watch this video about how Restorative Justice brought peace to a burglary victim.

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Restorative Conversation Following Theft

A restorative conversation took place with a victim following the theft of her pushchair, which was locked with a chain in the hallway of flats.

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Road Rage Assault

The victim had been tailgated by the harmer, who then assaulted him after indicating for the victim to pull into a lay-by.

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Rosalyn's Story

Rosalyn shares her experience of Restorative Justice.

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Theft From An Elderly Couple

An older couple were being looked after by their cousin, who stole over £7,000 from them.

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Threat of Assault

An offender threatened a victim with a baseball bat outside his home.

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Transphobic Comments

A victim received messages via Snapchat that were transphobic in nature and caused distress.

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Using a Restorative Approach to Address Conflict in the Home

A son was displaying an increasing level of verbal and physical abuse within the home.

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What People Say About Restorative Justice

The facilitators have been wonderful. I feel stronger than I did. I would really recommend Restorative Justice.

Debbie, victim

I hope that she would understand that I know what I’ve done was wrong and I’ve learnt from my actions.

Ryan, offender

I had my opportunity to discuss the incident and also to meet the offender in person.

Leighton, victim

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