Policy on Restorative Justice In Criminal Justice

Source: (2003) London, England: Victim Support. Downloaded 25 April 2005.

Although restorative justice has implications for victims, offenders and communities, this position statement is confined to its effects upon victims. Victim Support recognises that restorative justice has benefits for those victims who want it. Many victims have a psychological need for information after a crime that will help them to make sense of their experience, and which only the offender can supply. Victim Support believes that a restorative justice process can help provide this information which in turn can help the victim to recover from the crime and alleviate their fear of future crime. Some victims value the opportunity to tell the offender how the crime affected them. Reparation to the victim can also benefit them. (excerpt)