Information for Victims

Restorative processes have been shown to deliver strong benefits for victims/those that have been harmed who choose to participate.

In particular, being involved in a restorative process can give you a chance to have your say, to tell the person who harmed you and, perhaps also your friends and family, what the real impact of their behaviour has been, to get answers to questions and for many people, it provides a sense of closure and the opportunity to move on with their lives. 
 
Restorative processes are voluntary for all participants.
You never have to, and should not feel pressured into participating in a restorative process, should you not want to or not feel ready.

Similarly, best practice has shown that for restorative processes to be safe and effective it is important that the offender has accepted some responsibility for what they've done, and is involved in the process voluntarily.

Careful preparation and risk assessment with everyone involved is essential to ensure a safe and positive process.

Restorative processes should only ever be facilitated by someone trained and working to national best practice standards.

The RJC has recently developed and launched an online searchable practitioner register. You can use this to find an accredited practitioner working in your area. You can access the register by following this link: RJC Practitioner Register.

 
In the Criminal Justice System

If the offender is caught and is aged 10-17 you may be contacted by either the police and/or your local Youth Offending Team to explain what is happening and to tell you about the services they may be able to offer. For example you may be offered the opportunity to write to the young offender to tell them about how the crime has affected you, and receive a letter back in return, or they may offer you a face to face meeting with the offender. If this has not happened you can get in touch with your youth offending team directly - a list of YOT contact details is held by the Youth Justice Board.

If the offender is an adult, provision of restorative justice processes is much less readily available. If the offender who harmed you has been sentenced, contact your local Probation Service to see whether they can offer you a restorative process. This could take place either in the community or in prison, if applicable. Where an offender has been cautioned or an offence dealt with informally by the police, we suggest you contact your local Police Force to see whether they can offer RJ. In some areas Community Mediation Services exist and some of these can provide victim-offender mediation.

If you are suffering from anti-social behaviour in your area, you may want to  suggest a restorative solution to the Police/Local Authority, this has been shown to have excellent outcomes for communities. See What is Restorative Justice - In the Community.

If you are suffering harm within a school setting, introducing a restorative process, can increase feelings of safety, see What is Restorative Justice - With Young People.
  
We are sorry if you or your loved ones have been a victim of crime or have been harmed. We know that this can be a terrible experience, with long lasting consequences for you and your family, leaving you with unanswered questions.

If you want to talk to someone about how a crime has affected you, or get information about the criminal justice system you may want to contact Victim Support. Victim Support is an independent national charity which gives emotional support and practical help to anybody affected by crime. Victim Support’s services are free and you can talk to their trained staff and volunteers completely confidentially. To get in touch with Victim Support either visit the website at www.victimsupport.org.uk or ring the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900.  

14th Jan 2011 | Victims

Further Reading

• http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/Help%20for%20victims

  f you have been a victim of any crime or have been affected by a crime committed against someone you know, Victim Support can help you to cope with the experience.
• Victims Survey

  Smart Justice and Victim Support Key findings includ ..

  25th Jan 2006 Smart Justice - 425