Today marks the start of Restorative Justice Week 2024. 

Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe, commissions Victim Support to deliver a Restorative Justice service in Warwickshire. 

Throughout this week we want to educate people on what Restorative Justice is, how it can help both a victim of crime and the harmer, and the positive impact it can have. 

Restorative Justice brings together those that have been harmed by a crime and those that have caused the harm.

It allows them to communicate in a safe and suitable way, for example at a facilitated face-to-face meeting or via a letter exchange. It gives those that have been harmed the opportunity to ask questions they do not feel have been answered, while those that have caused the harm to have the opportunity to hear the impact of their actions and take responsibility.

The benefits of Restorative Justice are positive for all parties who do go through it and have been proven to reduce reoffending and also reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.  

It is important to remember that Restorative Justice is completely voluntary, and an assessment takes place before the process begins to ensure there will be no further harm to anyone involved.

If you feel that Restorative Justice may be able to support you please contact jenni.hawkins@victimsupport.org.uk or mike.bailey@victimsupport.org.uk for more information.