If you have a question that isn't answered below, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team and one of our staff members will be happy to talk to you about what's involved. You don't have to commit to anything so please feel free to ring us and discuss your situation on 0800 043 8785 and we will be happy to help.
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. Victim-initiated Restorative Justice is available for all offences, however we cannot accept offender-initiated referrals for domestic abuse or sexual violence.
If a case goes to court then sentencing is always up to the Judge who is regulated by sentencing guidelines. Restorative Justice has no impact on sentencing decisions as the judge is the only person who can decide on the appropriate sentence for the crime that the offender has committed. A parole board may be advised that an offender has participated in a restorative process however, the restorative work will be a very small part of the dossier provided for a parole board to consider when making their decisions.
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.
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.
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.
It’s free to take part in Restorative Justice with us.
Restorative Justice is a supportive process but it is not a victim support service. It is to facilitate communication after a crime to hear the perspectives of those involved and to find a positive way forward. Practitioners can sign-post and/or refer individuals to appropriate services when required. The Police and Crime Commissioner also provides funding for, and works in partnership with, a variety of organisations that support victims. Further details can be found on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website- https://www.hampshire-pcc.gov...
Read MoreAll Restorative processes are trauma informed and facilitated by trained professionals, known as Restorative Justice Practitioners who work with both parties in every step of the process to prepare and manage safety for everyone. Practitioners also communicate with partner agencies in order to inform suitability and risk assessments before going ahead with any process.
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%.
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.
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.
Restorative Justice has to be voluntary for both victims and offenders. If the offender decides that they do not want to take part in a Restorative Justice process, our team will talk with you about what other support is available to you and how you can access it if you wish to.
Or call us on 0800 043 8785
"When the police told me about Restorative Justice, I was interested straight away and they referred me to the Restorative Justice service.
Read MoreThree offenders entered a residential property on the Isle of Wight on numerous occasions during the evening and early morning, searched rooms, and stole property.
Read MoreA male had intervened to prevent a domestic assault, and had himself been badly assaulted by the offender, causing ABH injuries.
Read MoreOne 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreA victim’s father-in-law sexually assaulted her during a family event.
Read MoreThe offender, Sam*, had committed the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreThe offences against Joshua were of a sexual nature and were committed in the 1980s, when Joshua was aged between 10 and 15 years old.
Read MoreWatch this video about how Restorative Justice brought peace to a burglary victim.
Watch HereA restorative conversation took place with a victim following the theft of her pushchair, which was locked with a chain in the hallway of flats.
Read MoreThe victim had been tailgated by the harmer, who then assaulted him after indicating for the victim to pull into a lay-by.
Read MoreAn older couple were being looked after by their cousin, who stole over £7,000 from them.
Read MoreA victim received messages via Snapchat that were transphobic in nature and caused distress.
Read MoreA son was displaying an increasing level of verbal and physical abuse within the home.
Read More
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
To anyone considering restorative justice – I want you to know that it isn't about forgiving the unforgivable, and there was never any expectation of me to forgive. Sometimes, that simply isn't possible. For me, it was about facing the truth, taking back my voice, and finding a way to move forward without fear.
Kimberley, victim
It brought the feeling close as to how it would be as a victim of such a crime and I began to understand the emotional impact the feeling of betrayal had on the victim.
Offender
I still can't believe how much it helped and made us both feel lighter, we hadn't realised how much we needed to be able to say it out loud.
Harmed person's supporter
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your time, care and compassion, it has meant so much to us both and made an awful moment in our lives easier to cope and deal with.
Harmed person's supporter
I am pleased I did it, it feels like the offender has done his bit, apologised and we can now all draw a line under it. Everybody needs to be onboard and want to do it, if that occurs then the RJ process can work really well.
Victim
I think the conversations we have had have definitely helped me and allowed me to be heard.
Victim
What many people don't realise is how protective and carefully planned the process is. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is left to chance. Victims are protected every step of the way.
Victim
I went back to my cell and felt as if a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Offender
I have learned a lot and I now know that there is a always hope and a chance to do things better. I am very pleased to have completed the RJ process.
Offender
