This week, as part of National Restorative Justice Week, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane is raising awareness of the restorative justice services available to victims of crime.
Restorative justice is a process which brings the victim of crime and offender in the case together, enabling them to communicate, giving the victim a chance to be heard and tell the offender how their actions have affected them
The process also helps the victims to gain an understanding of the offenders thought process and gain answers to questions that often burden them long after the crime has been committed, helping them to find a positive way forward.
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane: "Restorative justice puts victims at the centre of the criminal justice system; it gives them a voice and allows them to have their questions answered.
"The process is invaluable, and for some people they can only move forward with their lives once they have had their questions answered."
David added: "Restorative justice is not a soft option; many offenders find it difficult to take responsibility and face up to the impact of their crime as they should do.
"The process brings their crime to life, no longer is it 'just' a crime, that crime is now a person and their life has been changed forever as a result of the actions the offender has taken.
"In my opinion there is no doubt that restorative justice can support victims to gain closure on their distressing experiences, whilst at the same time changing offender's behaviour."
Restorative Justice is a voluntary process, both for the victim and the offender, and is available to anyone who has been a victim of crime in the last six months. Cheshire's restorative justice services are provided by Remedi UK, who are funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane.
Remedi UK are a voluntary sector charity founded in 1996. It began providing restorative justice services in Cheshire in July 2016 and has already offered support to nearly 80 victims.
If you've been a victim of crime and are interested in speaking to someone about restorative justice, you can call 0800 640 6466 or email [email protected].
