How does RJ Work for Victims?
Victims often feel excluded from the criminal justice process, and many questions remain unanswered after legal proceedings. Restorative Justice offers a unique opportunity to:
• Share their experience and explain the impact of the crime
• Ask questions and seek answers
• Move forward positively with their life
• Help prevent the same harm from happening to others
The process is led by a trained Facilitator who ensures that the meeting takes place in a safe, controlled environment. Victims and offenders are never left alone during the meeting.
Research undertaken by Government demonstrates 85% of victims who take part in Restorative Justice find the process helpful.
Source: Restorative Justice Council
Benefits for Victims
Research indicates that 85% of victims who participate in Restorative Justice find the process helpful (Restorative Justice Council). Evidence also shows that victims who engage in face-to-face RJ conferences can experience a 45% reduction in post-traumatic stress symptoms (Angel et al.). Many victims report feeling empowered and more in control of their lives after the process.
Contacting Us
If you report a crime to Staffordshire Police, they will ask you if you are happy for your details to be passed on to the Staffordshire Victim Gateway (SVG). They will automatically receive your contact information and a brief overview of your experience.
Part of SVG role is to provide you with information and to introduce you to specialist services, such as the Restorative Justice Service. If you are interested or want to know more, they will pass your details to the service. If you are not sure if RJ is right for you, we are happy to talk through your options and there is no commitment to proceed if you decide it isn’t right for you.
If you are a professional working with someone affected by crime, you can make a referral into our service here: Staffordshire Harmer and Harmed referral form
You can self-refer by completing the online referral form Restorative Justice Self-Referral Form Staffordshire
Or you can give us a call on 0300 373 2558 (if out of working hours, please leave a voicemail with your name and contact details).