New restorative justice project launched in Plymouth

Victims of crime in Plymouth can now request to meet the person responsible.

Funding has been provided from the Office for Police and Crime Commissioner and the Ministry of Justice, to launch a new adult restorative justice project in the city.

The money is being provided to support the new victims code, that will give everyone the right to a restorative process.

The project will be run by Community Solutions Plymouth, a partnership of several key organisations including the City Council, Community Safety partnership, national probation service, as well as both victim and offender support organisations.

Community Solutions Plymouth Restorative approaches forum, are responsible for ensuring that all victims in Plymouth are offered the opportunity to take part in a restorative meeting if they want to. It is entirely voluntary and no one will be forced to participate, but for many victims of crime, having the opportunity to tell the person who harmed them exactly how it has impacted on them is an important aspect of them being able to put the harm behind them and move forward.

Mabel Edge, Plymouth City Council’s Family & Community Solutions Manager who is leading the project said: “Restorative Justice works for both victims and offenders. For victims it can provide information about what happened, that only offenders themselves can give.

“For people who have caused harm, being presented with the full impact of their actions can also have a profound effect, requiring them to question their decision making and helping them to make better choices in the future.

“Restorative Justice is a powerful process and it can make a real difference, to individuals, families and communities.”