Victims and Restorative Justice

RJ recognises the need for victim empowerment. This includes others than the direct or first victim, many people can be and are harmed by one incidence of offending.

When harm is caused by another, a victim can experience many feelings:

• Anger

• Frustration

• Fear

• Isolation

• Powerless

• Sadness

“Studies show that more than three quarters of victims who participate in restorative conferences are glad they did so.”

(David Blunkett in “Restorative Justice: The Government’s Strategy” 22nd July 2003)

RJ gives victims:

• A chance to ask questions
• A chance to explore the impact on themselves
• A chance tell an offender how they feel A chance to move on

(Bullied student after conference)