Restorative Justice
Facilitated two-way communication. For cases where there has been a crime committed or where there is a clear harmed person and harmer.
Who benefits from Restorative Justice?
Victims often want to understand why the crime happened to them. They often want to play some part in the process of what happens to the person who committed the harm and have their voice heard.
Victims want to know that they are not likely to be harmed by the same person again, and that the offender will not harm anyone else in the future either.
By helping the offender to face up to the consequences of what they have done, Restorative Justice provides the offender with the chance to make a real difference to the victim, and to begin to think about changing their behaviour in the future.
Restorative Justice can help the offender to achieve a positive outcome for both the victim and themselves. It means that the offender has the chance not just to say sorry and feel sorry, but to do something about it.
Which cases are suitable for RJ?
No offence is excluded when the process is initiated by the victim.
We are unable to accept offender-initiated referrals for domestic, sexual or stalking offences.
There must be an identifiable victim, an identified harmer or charged offender, and an admission of responsibility or a guilty plea if the case is proceeding through the court system.
Restorative Justice should be victim-focused, so that it is their choice whether or not to participate, but the offender also has to agree.
If a victim or offender is being supported by a CJS agency or other support service, with the individual’s consent, we will seek their views with regards to suitability and risk assessments and update that organisation about the outcome of the Restorative Justice process.
The service is free of charge.
Will it impact on any sentence?
That is for the sentencer alone to decide. It is not the purpose of Restorative Justice to influence sentencing decisions. That is made clear to both victim and offender at the start.
Who can Refer?
Before making a referral, please ensure:
• The individual understands who they are being referred to
• Consent has been obtained to share their information
• Participation is voluntary
• Any relevant safeguarding or risk information is included
Referral criteria
- Offenders 18 and over
- Victims of any age
- Any offence type (please note that Domestic, Sexual and Stalking related offences must be victim initiated)
- A connection to Hampshire and Isle of Wight by either victim address, offender address or offence location.
- No time restrictions (the case can be recent or decades old)
- We do not carry out RJ at the pre-sentence stage but can have an initial discussion with a participant about the process
Police - Out of Court Resolutions
RJ conditions:
1) Restorative Justice: two-way communication between victim / offender if both agree. (Available condition for Community Resolution and Conditional Caution)
Or, for two specific offence types with a conditional caution outcome, the condition can specify attendance at a Restorative Awareness Course:
2) Restorative Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Course
3) Restorative Assaults Against Emergency Workers Awareness Course
Select the appropriate condition and the Out of Court Resolution Team will refer this to us.
Offender has admitted guilt at court / No Further Action is being taken-
Restorative Justice- If either a victim or an offender wishes to explore RJ, you can make a referral. This referral route is available for all offences, but in cases of domestic, sexual or stalking offences, you can only refer the victim.
Email: restorativereferrals@hampshire.police.uk.
Prison and Probation Service
For any individual aged 18 or over who is subject to supervision in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight and has expressed an interest in Restorative Justice, refer directly through One Referral Hub.
There may also be offenders who have been victims themselves and would be interested in exploring Restorative Justice, in this case, please refer directly by email or using the referral form.
Victim Contact Scheme
Those who are engaging in the victim contact scheme can be referred to the service using the referral form or emailing the service directly.
Community Support Organisations
If you are supporting someone following a crime who has indicated a desire to communicate with the other person, you can refer with their consent. Alternatively, they can make a self-referral using the same contact information.
Youth Justice Service
Can refer cases that have been No Further Action (NFA) by Police or where the participants were not ready to engage whilst under YJS supervision.
Community Safety Partnerships / Local Authority
RJ Hampshire and Isle of Wight work closely with mediation providers in order to offer the best service for those affected by anti-social behaviour, crime and conflict. Contact us directly by phone or email to discuss.
