Restorative justice

Restorative justice gives the opportunity for people harmed by a crime and the people responsible for the harm to share how the crime has affected them. It lets everyone involved play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.

The communication can be a face-to-face meeting or a letter, recorded audio interview or video.

All victims of crime can seek restorative justice but the process will only take place if both victim and offender want it to.

Restorative justice is completely voluntary for all those taking part. Trained facilitators assess risks and make sure that the process is safe for everybody involved.

Restorative justice is used for any type of crime and at any stage of the criminal justice process, including if the offender is serving a prison sentence.

Local restorative justice services

The Restorative Justice Hub is a victim-focused service for Norfolk and Suffolk. It provides safe communication between victims and offenders. Specialised advisors are trained to deal with all levels of criminal cases. The service is completely separate from the criminal justice system, not an alternative, and has no influence on the sentence an offender may receive.

Benefits for victims

Restorative justice gives victims a voice and allows them to be heard. They do not often get the opportunity to ask questions to the offender, despite being the most affected by the crime.

Following the process, a victim can feel empowered rather than powerless; it 'gives back' what was taken from them. This can provide closure and help them understand and stop blaming themselves for what happened to them.

Research shows victims who go through the restorative process are less likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crime.

Benefits for offenders

Restorative justice does not influence the length of an offender's sentence, parole or early release. However, it does provides them with the opportunity to repair the harm they have caused and make amends. It takes courage to take responsibility and listen to their victim, putting themselves in their position. 

This process also gives an incentive for criminals to change, to be re-labelled. It can inspire them to change and has the potential to stop the 'revolving door' of prisons, where anger and bitterness in offenders is fuelled and negative messages are reinforced by other prisoners - which often leads to re-offending.

More information

You can find more information by:

• emailing the Restorative Justice Hub
• visiting the website for the national charity Why Me?
• visiting the Restorative Justice Council