More victims of crime in North Yorkshire will have the opportunity to play a role in the criminal justice system with the launch of a new service to help victims receive answers and rehabilitate offenders by helping them to understand the hurt and fear they have caused.
The aim is to bring victim and offender together outside – but alongside – the criminal justice system to reduce reoffending and give victims answers and the ability to move on by making the crime, and the fear it causes, more personal and harder to ignore.
Emma, who has used the restorative justice service, said:
“Restorative justice has changed my life.
“It gave me an opportunity to talk about what happened using emotional words.
“For two and a half years it felt like the only words I heard were facts and evidence.
“What about me and my family and what he had done to us?
“It finally felt like my emotions had a voice that was being heard and acknowledged.
“My life kick started the minute I walked back to my car after the conference.
“I felt free of so many frustrations.”
If you have been the victim of crime and need help to cope and recover:
- Call Supporting Victims on 01609 643 100, or visit www.supportingvictims.org
- For more information on restorative justice, or to speak to the team: Call 01423 546 175 or email RJNorthYorkshire@restorativesolutions.org.uk
For the full story and a video that explains why restorative justice is important and how it works, visit: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/news/rjlaunch/