Commissioner’s column: Empowering victims, restoring justice
Far too many victims do not get the justice they deserve.
We must explore every possible avenue to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done, with victims always at the heart of the system.
One approach which is increasingly being utilised is restorative justice – safe, facilitated communication between victims and offenders of crime.
Participation is voluntary, meaning that it is genuine. It is not a punishment, it is not a soft option. It is not about community payback or repairing property. This is on a very different plain.
It provides victims with the opportunity to ask the offender questions; to explain the impact of the crime and hold the offender to account. For victims, their needs are at the heart of the process, reducing feelings of anxiety and empowering them.
Offenders can better understand the real impact of the harm caused, motivating them to change their behaviour.
Accountability for the offender means accepting responsibility and repairing the harm done.
Specialist restorative justice practitioners assess each case to ensure it is appropriate for the process and that victims will not suffer additional harm; and that the approach is likely to benefit the participants.
I am pleased that in Bedfordshire we have a small but highly effective restorative justice team within my office.
I have seen what they achieve and the benefits they bring for participants. One victim said, “I found the process completely empowering. It gave me the opportunity to look him in the eye and tell him the impact that he had on my family. I would whole heartedly recommend restorative justice to anyone. It has been a positive process from beginning to end.”
The Bedfordshire team works with the police service and prisons to train officers in restorative principles and practices to address challenging situations they are facing.
This month sees International Restorative Justice Week. This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on restorative justice and to commit to promoting its use and access whenever this would benefit victims.
Restorative justice has a great future in Bedfordshire and beyond.