STILL thinking about a crime committed against you?

A local charity, which works closely with police and victim support to deliver restorative justice, wants to reach more victims.

Research and surveys have indicated that few victims know about restorative justice but that over 40% would take up the opportunity to communicate with the perpetrator of the crime committed against them if it was offered. Restorative Justice has been shown to have a very beneficial for victims with an 80% satisfaction rate.

Image courtesy of the Restorative Justice Council

National Restorative Justice week, begins on November 20, and the charity, funded by the Police Crime Commissioner, is keen to increase awareness about what it is and who can be helped by Restorative Justice.

If you have been the victim of burglary, theft, damage to your property or violent attack, and would like to know that the person who did this to you understands how it has affected you, the Restorative Justice Service can help.

What Victims say they want

Greg Smith, Restorative Justice Development Manager for Oxfordshire, told Thame News: “Crime can affect people in different ways. It is not unusual to be left feeling frightened or anxious or suffer a loss of confidence and a sense that you can’t take care of yourself or your family. It is good to know that the police are taking action and that the person has gone to Court. But, sometimes, this just isn’t enough. A voice, the ability to ask questions, being at the centre of things and not just an observer has all helped victims to feel better and to move on.”

What is Restorative Justice?

“It brings those harmed by crime, and those responsible for the harm, into communication,” explained Grgg. “The victim, offender, their family or friends, and the wider community can play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward. It can provide a means of closure and enable the victim to move on with their life. Offenders have the opportunity to take responsibility, to acknowledge the impact of their actions and to make reparation. The result is that there is a very high satisfaction rate for victims and a marked reduction in re-offending for the perpetrators.

“A local crime victim told us: ‘Every single day my PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) and panic attacks get better because I’ve released so much built up emotion. I feel lighter, happier and free because I’m not scared anymore… Thanks to RJ I’m now free from my prison of pain, which I thought would be my life sentence.’

“And another said: ‘Closed my book for me. It’s closed. That’s it, done. He was out last week, didn’t bother me at all.’ ”

Greg urged any victims out there to get in touch with Thames Valley Restorative Justice.

“When the moment is right for you, restorative justice could be the key to help you move on. An initial discussion with a trained facilitator will explore options, guided by the victim’s needs and wishes.

“If you would like to find out more, please get in touch. All information shared will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

www.tvrjs.org.uk
Email: rjenquiries@tvrjs.org.uk  or Telephone:  01844 202001