Greater Manchester marks Restorative Justice Week

A victim of hate crime has praised the restorative justice process for giving him the opportunity to face his offender – and he has encouraged other victims to do the same.

Speaking during Restorative Justice Week, Jack took part in a restorative justice meeting after being verbally abused in the street because of his Jewish faith.

“I found the restorative justice process incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to understand the mindset of the offender – who was of similar age to me – and give him the opportunity to see the consequences of his crime,” says Jack.

“Although the abuse didn’t have a massive impact on me personally, I wanted him to see what affect his mindless act could have on a more vulnerable member of the community.

What if it is was your mum or gran, for example?

“Incidents like this have a wider impact on the Jewish community and can instil fear. After the meeting, I shared my experience with community members which gave them confidence in the restorative justice process and how police deal with hate crime.

“If used appropriately restorative justice has a positive impact on victims and offenders. Where the victim is comfortable and the crime fits, I would wholeheartedly encourage other people to go down this route.”

Restorative justice gives victims the chance to tell offenders how their crime has affected them and the offender the opportunity to apologise and make amends. It can be done in different ways, for example a face-to-face meeting or a letter.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “Jack’s story shows that when used in the right way, restorative justice really works, allowing criminals to face up to what they’ve done and giving victims the closure they need.

“However, it must be used appropriately and be victim-led and victim-focused. If the victim is not comfortable with the process and doesn’t feel involved then restorative justice is not the way to go.

“Restorative justice is proving successful in Greater Manchester and we want more victims to have the opportunity to take part in this process. Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd is currently working with Restorative Solutions and GMP to map how restorative justice is being used across Greater Manchester and see where improvements can be made to ensure the needs of victims remain at its heart.”

The Greater Manchester Victims’ Services website, commissioned by Tony Lloyd, provides advice and information for victims of crime who may want to take part in restorative justice. Visit www.gmvictims.org.uk/RJ to find out more.