About Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice (or RJ) is a system of criminal justice that brings those harmed by crime and those responsible for the harm into communication with each other, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
Restorative Justice is provided by the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner because research shows that Restorative Justice helps victims to deal with, and move on from, crime. It also reduces reoffending and helps to reduce harm in our community. It covers the whole of the Kent and Medway area.
Locally-elected Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for commissioning victims’ services in their area, including restorative justice services.
You can read about the various support services the Kent PCC provides, as well as his approach to restorative justice, on the OPCC website.
Restorative Justice is about communication
Restorative Justice offers victims an opportunity to be heard, to ask questions of the offender, and to have their say in the resolution of the harm caused.
Restorative Justice has a proven, significant impact in supporting victims in achieving closure and allowing them to move on with their lives. 85% of victims who have participated in Restorative Justice would recommend it to others.
For offenders, Restorative Justice provides an opportunity to face the consequences of their actions, recognising the impact that their offending behaviour has had upon others and, where possible, make amends.
In this way, Restorative Justice has the potential to help rehabilitate offenders and support them in addressing their offending behaviour. It has the potential to motivate them to change and become responsible, law abiding and productive members of society.
So, if you’ve been the victim of a crime, Restorative Justice might be for you. If you’d like to find out more you can call our friendly team on 0800 783 1583 or you can email us at rjkent@restorativesolutions.org.uk for more information about how it works.
