Crime victims encouraged to take part in Restorative Justice process
Devon and Cornwall Police are promoting a scheme which involves victims of crime coming face-to-face with their offenders as part Restorative Justice Week 2015
From Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November, the Force will be supporting the national campaign “I’ve got something to say” which aims to raise awareness of Restorative Justice (RJ) to encourage victims of crime to undertake the process.
Restorative Justice Teams across Devon and Cornwall will be implementing a wide range of activities to promote the week from local community coffee mornings, workshops and engagement events to a series of interviews broadcast on Pirate FM.
There will also be a digital communications campaign to support the week, with both Force and local social media accounts promoting the key messages plus targeted advertising through Facebook.
Every victim in Devon and Cornwall can access Restorative Justice (RJ) at any stage of the criminal justice system - pre and post sentence - even if the offender is serving a prison sentence. The process allows the victim an opportunity to be heard, and gives them the chance to explain to offenders the real impact of their crime.
RJ also provides an opportunity for offenders to face the consequences of their actions and understand the very real impact that is has on others.
Devon & Cornwall’s Criminal justice board business manager, Hannah Hart, said; “Restorative Justice can make a massive difference to victims of crime. It is a safe and supported communication meeting between the victim and the person who has committed the crime and allows the victim to move on as well as tell the offender just what impact their actions have had on their lives.
“Across Devon and Cornwall we have excellent Restorative Justice Teams who help facilitate the process and support the victims. We have seen some real successes, both victims and offenders benefit from the process and it helps to reduce re-offending and during this week we aim to build on this.
“Being a victim of crime can change people’s lives and increase their fear of crime, we would urge anyone who feels they might benefit from this process to seek help and advice on how to begin the process.”
Anyone wanting to know more or to make a referral for Restorative Justice should contact 01752 306861 or email RJ@plymouth.gcsx.gov.uk
For more information about Restorative Justice, please visit www.restorativejustice.org.uk
