One victim was so determined to have his voice heard that he requested a conference while the offender was in prison for assaulting him during a brawl, fuelled by alcohol.
Even though the victim appreciated that he had not been a target, he needed to explain to his attacker how the entire family had been affected by the incident.
The YOS said the discussion was “open, honest and respectful†and both felt a sense of “relief and great achievement†at the end of the conference.
Another victim, with his own business, completely changed his opinion towards the schoolboy who damaged his property.
The victim offered the boy an opportunity of paid casual work during weekends to enable him to understand what it is like to work and receive financial reward for a job well done.
PC Nowell said: “Restorative justice gives victims the chance to tell young people how their offending behaviour has affected them.
“They also have an opportunity to ask questions and generally these will include, ‘Why me?’.
“This approach does not suit everyone, individuals must make their own choices.
“However, when both parties commit, restorative work is powerful and our feedback shows that it produces increased levels of victim satisfaction.
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