“If delivered in the right way, restorative justice can have a significant effect on improving victim confidence in the criminal justice system and reducing reoffending.
In Sussex, victims that have been through an RJ process have experienced a 100% satisfaction rate and a Home Office control study showed health benefits to victim participants including reducing post-traumatic stress disorder.
“RJ is working in Sussex because the 26 organisations which make up the Sussex Restorative Justice Partnership (SRJP) can all see the benefit of this approach and are committed to making it work for nearly all victims of crime. They consult with each other and share best practise via our three RJ hubs located at Bexhill, Brighton and Bognor Regis police stations.
Victim Support play a vital role by providing information to every victim of crime as part of their initial needs assessment and there is an excellent relationship with colleagues in prisons, probation and the police.
“If you want to access RJ services in Sussex then visit http://www.safespacesussex.org.uk/RJ.
You can also view a video called “Repairing the Harm” that tells the story of Zoe and Andrew who meet the young man who burgled them in their home whilst they and their two children were asleep in their beds.”
The PCC’s weekly email newsletter contains a snapshot of her forthcoming meetings and events as well as a round up of news and views from the week. Subscribe here.