Restorative justice

If you would like to meet the person who has committed the crime or anti-social behaviour, they will be asked if they want to meet you.

If both agree you will be given the opportunity to talk about what happened in a meeting.

The meeting is held at a neutral location at a time which is convenient to you and is led by a professional facilitator. You will be able to bring along relatives, friends or other people to give you support.

Restorative justice gives you a chance to talk about what happened with the offender. This might include:

• telling them your thoughts and how they made you feel
• asking questions
• agreeing with the offender how they might make amends for their actions – such as explaining why they did it, writing an apology or doing voluntary work
• being able to move on from what has happened

Restorative justice helps offenders by:

• helping them to understand how their actions affect other people
• giving them a chance to apologise
• allowing them to deal with any feelings of guilt and remorse
• agreeing with you how they could make amends

Restorative justice can be used at any stage as the case goes through court as well as those dealt with outside court.

There are three basic requirements that must be met before communication can take place:

1. The offender must take some responsibility for the crime
2. Both the victim and the offender must be willing to participate
3. It has to be safe for both the victim and the offender to be involved in the process

If a meeting is not appropriate the restorative justice professional may be able to coordinate communication by letter or other means.

You can contact a Restorative Justice Coordinator:

• by email — cases@restorative-approaches.org
• by phone — call 0117 9415879
• by text — 07377 864060 or 07377 864061

Emails and phones are not monitored during evenings and weekends. In an emergency, call 999 and in a non-emergency call 101.

Watch the film ‘a victim’s guide to restorative justice’ to find out when you can access restorative justice and who to contact.

You can also find out more on:

• Twitter @Restorative Approaches
• Facebook – Restorative Justice Week

If you would like to provide any feedback or make a complaint about your service, email vwfeedback@avonandsomerset.police.uk