Restorative Justice & Hate Crime

Posted on: 9th, October 2023

Restorative Justice is suitable for all crimes where there is an identifiable victim and offender, including hate crimes. A hate crime is defined by the Metropolitan Police as any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender. 

National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 14th - 21st October, with the goal to raise awareness, encourage reporting of hate crimes, and provide education to prevent further incidents from taking place. Hate Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action that encourages communities, authorities and other parties to work together to tackle hate crime. 

Restorative Justice supports individuals and communities by providing victims of hate crimes and the offenders with the chance to discuss the incident. Victims can share how they’ve been impacted by the crime, which can help offenders understand the consequences of their actions. Restorative Justice also provides the opportunity for offenders to apologise.  

Hate Crime Case Studies 

These case studies show how Restorative Justice can empower victims of hate crime and give them the chance to have their voice heard. 

Case Study 1 - Racially Aggravated Offence 

An Asian shopkeeper was verbally abused by the offender and the case was referred to Restorative Solutions by the police authorities. Both victim and offender were supported at the meeting by their wives, and it was an emotional conference for all participants as they discussed the impact of the crime. The offender showed remorse and apologised for his action, which was warmly accepted. The feedback received from all parties stated they were extremely satisfied with the Restorative Justice process.

Case Study 2 - Hate Crime Awareness Course 

Amiya was Warren’s Case Manager when he committed racial and religious verbal abuse against her, leading to him being charged at court. After Warren completed the Hate Crime Awareness Course offered by Restorative Solutions, Amiya wished to meet with him to share the impact of his actions on herself and her family.

During the Restorative Justice meeting, Warren apologised, saying the process “made me understand that my actions have long lasting effects, not just on myself but others around me…it was eye opening for me." Amiya said that she “came away feeling good about the meeting. I’m glad I had the opportunity to say what I needed to say to Warren." 

Case Study 3 - Transphobic Comments 

A victim received transphobic messages from an individual they had previously considered a friend, leading to the offender receiving a mandatory condition to engage with the Restorative Justice service. The offender was keen to participate and repair the harm caused, saying he ‘would like to try and do it as it could make me a better person’. Following the meeting, the victim said they were “very grateful we took the time to sort it out” and would “100% recommend this to others”. 

Reporting hate crime  

If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, you can report it online here. If you’ve been involved in a hate crime offence, either as victim or offender, and would like to pursue Restorative Justice, please get in touch. As Restorative Justice is a voluntary process, it’s important to remember that both parties have to agree to participate. 

Let’s see how Restorative Justice can help you

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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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