Restorative Justice
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative Justice is a program that focuses on balancing the needs of the victim and the community while helping the offender return to society and avoid committing more crimes.
It involves the victim and the offender communicating through a Restorative Justice Officer (RJO). The goal is not to punish the offender, but to help them make up for what they did. Throughout the process, fairness, honesty, and respect are prioritised for everyone involved.
How Does It Work?
If the offender takes responsibility for their actions and agrees to meet with the victim, the RJO will contact the victim to explain the options. Both the victim and offender must participate voluntarily.
If both agree, a meeting can be arranged, either just with them or with their families as well. In the meeting, everyone has the opportunity to speak, including the victim.
If one or both do no want to meet, or if it's not appropriate, the RJO can meet with them separately and pass on messages about concerns, the impact of the crime, and ways to repair the harm. Other forms of communication, like letters or phone calls, can also be used.
What Does Restorative Justice Offer Victims?
The project gives victims:
- an explanation as to why the offender chose them
- a chance to ask the offender questions
- a chance to express how the crime has affected them
- an apology, or compensation, if appropriate
What Does Restorative Justice Offer Offenders?
It gives offenders:
- a chance to take responsibility for their actions
- a better understanding of how their crime affected the victim
- an opportunity to reflect on their future behaviour
- a chance to apologise or make up for their actions
How Effective is Restorative Justice?
Research shows that Restorative Justice leads to high satisfaction rates among victims and reduced their fear of crime. The Probation Service has received positive feedback from both victims and offenders who have participated in the program.