Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, is highlighting International Restorative Justice Week 11-18 November 2024 to raise awareness of Restorative Justice and how it can support victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, and their families.
Restorative Justice gives the victims the chance to receive an apology for the crime and/or get answers to unanswered questions they may have and explain the impact the offence had upon them to the offender.
The process for doing so is very safe and facilitated by trained Restorative Justice practitioners. The actual communication between the victim and offender can take various forms that include messages, letters and actual meetings with the offender.
Commissioner, David Allen comments: “Victims are often left with so many questions with no one to answer them and Restorative Justice helps them understand more and think differently about the crime and the harm that the perpetrator has caused.
“Through Restorative Justice, the perpetrators learn about the impact their crime has had on someone and it helps them to understand the guilt of what they have done wrong. They may not realise the sometimes life changing effects their actions can have on others.
“Perpetrators often fool themselves into thinking that they are not causing anyone real harm. Hearing directly from them, or seeing their victims face to face, looking them in the eye and talking to them, helps them to understand the effect their behaviour has had. It can be an incredibly powerful intervention.
“It is not a soft option, it is not appropriate for all cases and is only used when both parties agree. Restorative Justice challenges perpetrators to face up to their crime.”
Dave Bates, Manager of Remedi, an organisation which works with victims in Cumbria to facilitate Restorative Justice said: “The process gives victims an opportunity to communicate and explain how the crime may have impacted upon themselves, their families and/or communities. Feedback we receive from Victims who have used the service indicate it plays a big part in helping them to increase confidence, take control and gain closure from the incident.”
Detective Chief Inspector John Graham-Cumming, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Restorative justice can provide a more holistic method of dealing with a crime and can lead to the prevention of reoffending.
“The process, which centres on victim’s wishes, can help people gain answers from the individuals who have committed crimes against them.
“For an offender, this process holds them accountable for their actions as they meet and speak to individuals they have wronged.”
If you have been a victim of crime and would like a confidential discussion and more information about Remedi's Restorative Justice call 07724847239.
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.