Reflections on the Launch of Victim Care Lancashire
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of joining Lancashire Constabulary for the official launch of Victim Care Lancashire, an initiative poised to transform the support offered to those harmed by crime. This occasion was further elevated by the presence of our Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, whose attendance highlighted the significance of our shared mission.
Being alongside Her Royal Highness served as a powerful reminder of why our work matters. The launch was not merely about introducing a new service; it was about reaffirming our collective commitment to ensuring that every individual harmed by crime receives not only justice but also the care, compassion, and support necessary for rebuilding their lives.
The Role of the Restorative Justice Council
During the event, I was honoured to present the work of the Restorative Justice Council. Since our inception in 1998, we have been committed to embedding restorative justice across the UK by setting high professional standards, supporting practitioners, and raising awareness of the transformative potential of restorative approaches.
At its core, restorative justice is about giving a voice to those harmed, a voice often overlooked in the criminal justice process. It emphasises accountability and responsibility while—most importantly—supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Participants who engage in restorative justice consistently express the importance of being heard and having the opportunity to articulate the impact of the harm they experienced. They also seek acknowledgment from those who caused the harm.
As CEO, this mission resonates deeply with me. Building safer, stronger communities involves more than just policing or punishment; it requires fostering dialogue, cultivating understanding, and promoting meaningful change.
Lancashire’s Leading Example
Lancashire Constabulary has been at the forefront of this effort for over a decade. Their Restorative Justice Team has set a benchmark for excellence, particularly since becoming an RJC-registered service provider in 2018. They empower those harmed to share their stories while guiding those who have caused harm to confront the real consequences of their actions.
I took the opportunity at the launch to acknowledge their remarkable work, which truly deserves recognition. They have demonstrated how restorative justice can complement traditional criminal justice processes, creating pathways to understanding and closure. This is not easy work, but it is essential.
Why Victim Care Lancashire Matters
While restorative justice is a crucial aspect of recovery for those harmed, it is not the entire solution. Those harmed by crime often require a wide range of support—emotional, practical, and psychological—before they can begin to heal. If these needs remain unmet, the difficulties caused by crime can be compounded.
This is why the launch of Victim Care Lancashire marks such a significant milestone. This new service is designed to provide holistic, tailored support that reflects the realities faced by those harmed. It is not just another initiative; it is a commitment—placing those harmed by crime at the centre of the response.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the event, I feel a profound sense of pride to be part of this collective effort to effect real change. Lancashire has set a standard that I hope will inspire similar initiatives across the country, demonstrating how restorative justice, paired with comprehensive care, can create a justice system that truly serves its intended purpose.
Finally, I extend my deepest gratitude to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. Her presence at this launch was both an honour and a powerful recognition of the importance of restorative justice and victim care. Her involvement serves as an inspiration for us all to strive for a society where those harmed by crime are supported, heard, and empowered to rebuild their lives.
Author: Jim Simon, Chief Executive Officer