FAQs

It’s free to take part in Restorative Justice with Restorative Solutions.

Absolutely. All Restorative Justice conferences are mediated by trained professionals, known as Restorative Justice Facilitators. Other organisations or individuals involved to best assess risk may also be present throughout the process.

Restorative Justice is a completely voluntary process. You can change your mind at any time, either by opting out or opting in.

• It can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD after a crime takes place

• It empowers victims and gives them a chance to have their voice heard, taking back control 

• It allows them the opportunity to ask any questions they might have about the crime, e.g ‘why me?’, ‘did you target me specifically?’ 

• It helps the victim put the crime behind them

• It helps the offender put the crime behind them

• It helps offenders to see the impact of their actions

• It allows offenders the opportunity to apologise and explain

• It gives them the opportunity to make amends where possible

• It reduces reoffending rates by 14%

No. Restorative Justice can be used for any type of crime as long as both parties (the victim and offender) agree to take part.

Restorative Justice happens after an offender has been sentenced. That means that it doesn’t have an impact on the sentence an offender receives.

Restorative Justice can be done both directly and indirectly. Direct Restorative Justice involves a face-to-face conference. Indirect Restorative Justice can be facilitated through phone calls, video calls, letter writing, emails, or passing on messages through a third party.

Restorative Justice can sometimes include forgiveness. But it doesn’t have to and it’s not expected to.

Yes. Restorative Justice is voluntary for both parties.

Both victims and offenders can self refer if they are interested in pursuing Restorative Justice. Victim referrals can also come from Victim Support or Victim Liaison Officers, support agencies and GPs. Offender referrals can come from police, probation, or prison officers.