Restorative Justice & Violent Crimes

Posted on: 13th, October 2023

Restorative Justice is a victim-led, voluntary process, facilitated by trained Restorative Justice practitioners. It’s suitable for any crime where there’s an identifiable victim and offender, including violent crimes and cases of assault. 

Finding closure

Meeting the person who harmed them helps some victims find closure and move on. Elizabeth was assaulted by a stranger at a music festival, which left her feeling very angry. She met with the man responsible in a Restorative Justice meeting, where the offender expressed his remorse. Elizabeth says, “I think he got to understand the real impact of what he had done and was very sorry”. The Restorative Justice process has helped Elizabeth move on from the incident. 

Getting answers 

Restorative Justice is also a way to get about parts of the offence that don’t make sense. Caroline’s partner, Simon, was a victim of a serious assault that left him unable to talk or walk and being completely dependent on nursing care. Caroline wasn’t with her partner the night of the assault, and wanted to meet with the person responsible to find out what had happened, and why. She said she was glad to have gone through the process as it gave her the chance to explain the traumatic impact it had had on her on her family. 

Sharing the impact of the crime 

Restorative Justice holds the offender accountable and is a chance to share the impact of the crime, both on the victim and those close to them.  In one case, a male had intervened to prevent a domestic assault, and had himself been badly assaulted by the offender, causing ABH injuries. The father of the victim had been badly affected by the assault on his son, and wanted to meet the offender to explain how the assault had affected both himself and his son. In this meeting, the offender agreed to write a letter of apology to the victim, which led to the victim and offender also having a Restorative conference. 

An opportunity to apologise 

Restorative Justice can be an opportunity for the offender to apologise and attempt to repair the harm caused. An offender had threatened a victim with a baseball bat outside his home, and was keen to explore Restorative Justice for the opportunity to apologise. During the meeting, the victim was able to share with the offender the impact of their actions, and discuss the potential harm to both him and his family. The offender apologised for his actions, offering to pay for some minor damage to the victim’s car, and at the conclusion of the meeting purchased flowers for the victim’s wife as an apology. The offender said that he felt good after participating and was very satisfied with the process. 

Is Restorative Justice right for you? 

These case studies show how Restorative Justice can help both victim and offender find closure and find a positive way to move forward from a crime such as assault. It’s suitable for any crime where there’s an identifiable victim(s) and offender(s). If you think Restorative Justice could be right for you, please get in touch.

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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