A Fresh Start

Posted on: 14th, December 2023

Welcoming in the new year is often when we look ahead and plan for the future, but it can sometimes be just as valuable to use this time to reflect on the past. The beginning of a new year is the opportunity for a fresh start, and to address things that are weighing on our minds. 

If you have been involved in a crime, whether it was recent or many years ago, Restorative Justice could help you find closure.  

Restorative Justice is a voluntary service that brings victims of crime and offenders into communication in a safe, mediated environment. The purpose of Restorative Justice is to help victims of crime move on in a healthy way, allowing them to get their power and confidence back, show the offender how the crime has impacted them and ask any questions. 

Restorative Justice can also benefit the offender, by helping them see the impact of their actions, as well as providing the opportunity to apologise, explain and make amends where possible. It also reduces reoffending rates.

Restorative Justice is voluntary, so both parties have to agree to take part for the process to go ahead. It’s free, and facilitated by trained practitioners. Restorative Justice can happen face-to-face, or indirectly, through letters, phone calls, video calls or messages.

If the beginning of a new year has prompted you to consider Restorative Justice, please get in touch. 

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Talk to our Restorative Justice service team in confidence

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Or call us on 0800 783 1583

Case Studies

A Racially Aggravated Public Order Offence

An Asian shopkeeper was verbally abused by the offender. This was a Police referral and the Restorative Justice c...

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Addressing Violence Within a Family

K contacted the Kent and Medway Restorative Justice Service following a serious violent episode carried out on her and her husband (P) by their ado...

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Assault At A Music Festival

Elizabeth was at her first music festival when she was attacked by a total stranger. She suffered bruising to her face and was badly shaken up. The...

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Assault Case

Kev received a conditional caution after he assaulted a stranger on a night out. As part of the conditional caution, he was required to have a disc...

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Fatal Collision: Sister Meets Driver Who Killed Her Brother

Many people would keep the deceased’s family and offender apart, leaving questions unanswered, shame unexplored, and bitterness to cause stress a...

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Lucy's Story

Lucy took part in Restorative Justice seven years after her ex-partner violently attacked her, and bravely shared her story with why-me.org...

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What People Say About Restorative Justice

The facilitators have been wonderful. I feel stronger than I did. I would really recommend Restorative Justice.

Mrs Wilson

I actually appreciated how quick the process happened.

Mr Atkinson, victim.

It was an opportunity to help the offender reform.

Mr Bird, victim.

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