What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is a process that brings together those harmed by crime or conflict and
those responsible for that harm into communication. It enables all the primary stakeholders
affected by a crime to come together to discuss ways in which the harm can be repaired and
a positive way forward found for all those affected. Fundamentally it allows those directly
affected to have a voice in the criminal justice process. It aims to restore the harm, including
material damage, social unrest, psychological and other forms of suffering, inflicted on the
victim and their communities. It also aims to increase accountability for that harm and find a
solution as to how such actions might be prevented in the future. Victims and other affected
community members can be emotionally restored and financially compensated for the
damage caused through reparative acts such as an apology, community service tasks and
financial restitution. Perpetrators can also be successfully reintegrated back into the
community.
Where is it used?
Restorative justice can be used in a number of ways to prevent conflict, build relationships
and repair harm by enabling people to communicate effectively and positively. Restorative
principles are increasingly being used in schools, children’s services, workplaces, hospitals,
communities and the criminal justice system… You could put a link in here for people to see
What is RJ header at the top of the Home Page for more information on the aims and
formats available.
The Victims’ section on the Home Page could perhaps be a little clearer (again just my
suggestion and feel free to disagree Gary!)
Victims’ Support Services
Victims’ support services are available in order to discuss the restorative justice service that
is being offered. There are many people that can be harmed as a result of youth crime.
These can include the direct victim such as yourself but can also include indirect victims such
as your family and friends. If you do not wish to avail of this service you should contact the
Police within seven days (from what time however… perhaps explain). If you do wish to get
in touch with this service then the Police will pass on your contact details and you will be
contacted either by telephone or text or letter…
It is important to reiterate that there is no obligation to participate in the Restorative Justice
process. However, there are many case studies that suggest that the process can be a real
benefit for all those affected by a crime (see link to case studies section). It can help victims
to move forward with their lives and also enable a sense of closure generally.
Restorative justice is a process that brings together those harmed by crime or conflict and
those responsible for that harm into communication. It enables all the primary stakeholders
affected by a crime to come together to discuss ways in which the harm can be repaired and
a positive way forward found for all those affected. Fundamentally it allows those directly
affected to have a voice in the criminal justice process. It aims to restore the harm, including
material damage, social unrest, psychological and other forms of suffering, inflicted on the
victim and their communities. It also aims to increase accountability for that harm and find a
solution as to how such actions might be prevented in the future. Victims and other affected
community members can be emotionally restored and financially compensated for the
damage caused through reparative acts such as an apology, community service tasks and
financial restitution. Perpetrators can also be successfully reintegrated back into the
community.
Where is it used?
Restorative justice can be used in a number of ways to prevent conflict, build relationships
and repair harm by enabling people to communicate effectively and positively. Restorative
principles are increasingly being used in schools, children’s services, workplaces, hospitals,
communities and the criminal justice system… You could put a link in here for people to see
What is RJ header at the top of the Home Page for more information on the aims and
formats available.
The Victims’ section on the Home Page could perhaps be a little clearer (again just my
suggestion and feel free to disagree Gary!)
Victims’ Support Services
Victims’ support services are available in order to discuss the restorative justice service that
is being offered. There are many people that can be harmed as a result of youth crime.
These can include the direct victim such as yourself but can also include indirect victims such
as your family and friends. If you do not wish to avail of this service you should contact the
Police within seven days (from what time however… perhaps explain). If you do wish to get
in touch with this service then the Police will pass on your contact details and you will be
contacted either by telephone or text or letter…
It is important to reiterate that there is no obligation to participate in the Restorative Justice
process. However, there are many case studies that suggest that the process can be a real
benefit for all those affected by a crime (see link to case studies section). It can help victims
to move forward with their lives and also enable a sense of closure generally.