Restorative Justice: Questions and Answers…

If you have been a victim of crime and are considering restorative justice, you are likely to have questions about what it will involve and why it might work for you. The information below will give you the answers you need and help you to make an informed decision about taking part.

What is restorative justice?

Restorative justice gives victims the chance to meet or communicate with their offender to explain the real impact of the crime — it empowers victims by giving them a voice. It also holds offenders to account for what they have done and helps them to take responsibility and make amends. Restorative justice often involves a conference, where a victim meets their offender face to face. Sometimes, when a face to face meeting is not the best way forward, the victim and offender will communicate via letters, recorded interviews or video instead.

Why would I take part?

Many victims feel that the criminal justice system does not give them a chance to get involved. Restorative justice puts victims at the heart of the justice process – it gives you a chance to ask the offender any questions that you have and get anything that you want to say about the impact of the crime off your chest. Government research demonstrates that 85% of victims who take part in restorative justice find the process helpful. For many victims meeting the person who has harmed them can be a huge step in moving forward in recovering from the crime. Restorative justice also helps to cut crime — research shows that it reduces reoffending by 14%.

How will I know what to do?

The restorative justice process is led by a facilitator who supports and prepares the people taking part and makes sure that it is safe. They will be able to talk you through the process, answer any questions that you may have and explain what will happen every step of the way. This will be a chance to explore what will work best for you and it is entirely up to you to decide whether to go through with it. You can drop out at any time.

Is restorative justice safe?

Most definitely. Facilitators are trained in assessing risks and making sure that the process is safe for everybody involved. They would never let a restorative justice conference go ahead if they were not confident that it could be done safely. You would never be left alone with the offender and the facilitator would support you every step of the way.

Can I have a friend or family member with me?

Absolutely. Some people prefer to attend a restorative justice meeting on their own but others have a friend or family member with them to provide support. This will be discussed with the facilitator and agreed in advance, so that the supporter is fully prepared. Even if you decide not to bring anybody with you, the facilitator would always be there. You would never be left on your own with the offender.

Do I have to meet the offender face to face?

No. Sometimes, when a face to face meeting is not the best way forward, the facilitator will arrange for the victim and offender to communicate via letters, recorded interviews or video. It is up to you whether you want to meet the offender in person. However research has demonstrated that meeting face to face is the most satisfying form of restorative justice for victims.

Can I stop the process at any time?

Yes. Restorative justice is entirely voluntary and you can pull out at any time, including on the day of a conference or even while the meeting is going on. The facilitator will support you and try to make sure that there are no surprises as you go through the process, but whether you go through with it is entirely up to you.

Do I need to forgive my offender to take part in restorative justice?

No. Restorative justice does not require you to forgive your offender. During the preparation the facilitator will make sure that you feel comfortable meeting your offender and that you are in the right frame of mind to go through the process. However the facilitator will not stop you from taking part if you have negative feelings towards the offender. Being angry with an offender is natural and expressing your feelings to them is an important part of the process.