The public believe that victims should have the right to access restorative justice, new polling demonstrates.
The polling, carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the RJC, sought the public’s views on restorative justice and found that an overwhelming 77% of people think that victims should have the right to meet their offender.
On Friday, the Labour Campaign for Prison Reform (which doesn’t appear to be in any way formally associated with the party) published an article on the government’s plans for restorative justice. While it is broadly positive, it states that “for restorative justice to be worthwhile, it has to prevent prisoners from reoffending”. Given the renewed focus on rehabilitation in the justice system there is now significant support for this view. But is it right?
Newly released Ipsos MORI polling, commissioned by the Restorative Justice Council, confirms that 80% of the public believe that victims of crime should have the right to meet their offender. Among people who had been a victim of crime, this figure rose to 85%.
The RJC is pleased to announce that three more services have achieved the Restorative Service Quality Mark (RSQM). The Dracaena Centre, Calm Mediation – restorative justice service, and Blackburn with Darwen youth justice service all now hold the RSQM.
Jon Collins, the RJC’s chief executive, said: “It’s fantastic news that these services have all achieved the RSQM. This is a testament to the high quality of their work and their commitment to using restorative approaches in a safe and effective way.”
Accounts of child abuse are depressingly familiar, as are the life-long effects it can have on its survivors. Here, Laura explains how facing her abuser empowered her and enabled her to move on with her life.
As I’ve written before, it’s a scandal that so many of the children who end up in custody have previously been in care. It’s therefore very welcome that the Prison Reform Trust has sponsored a year-long review into this issue, chaired by Lord Laming, which has reported today. It highlights the urgent need to address this issue if all children in care are to get the best start in life.
Nick spent 16 years learning to live with the killing of his twin brother, Simon. Here, he talks about how restorative justice helped him to stop feeling like a victim.
In a speech yesterday at the Police Federation Annual Conference in Bournemouth, Theresa May criticised the police for using restorative justice with victims of domestic violence. She spoke of victims being asked to meet their abusers “with no consideration of the psychological and emotional damage that can cause”.
The RJC is looking for a policy and communications officer to join our external affairs team.
The post holder will support the team in developing and monitoring the RJC’s communications, policy research and stakeholder engagement work.
The post requires a highly motivated individual able to work well on their own and in a team. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential, and they will need to be resourceful and personable as they will working with our key partners and developing relationships with new stakeholders.
