The voices of Restorative Justice
This is a blog by our Communications and Campaigns Manager, Keeva Baxter.
Restorative Justice is a personal process, tailored to the needs of the people taking part. Because of this, it looks different for everyone, both in process and outcome. Hearing the testimonies of people who have been through it is the only way to truly understand how it feels to be in the room with someone who harmed you or who you have harmed. The emotions that are present in the meeting, as well as the impact it has on the participants’ lives going forward, is hard to understand unless you hear it from someone who has experienced it. This is why we strive to place voices of lived experience at the centre of our work.
There are many research projects that have been conducted over the years, proving the value of Restorative Justice to victims of crime, people who have committed crimes and wider society. However, it is the stories of those who have been through Restorative Justice that are the most powerful testament to its efficacy.
Through our new Damage and Repair project, we are capturing 20 years of Restorative Justice stories to archive in the British Library. Through this project, we will be gathering oral history interviews of people who have been through the process, and a small selection of professionals in the field. As well as the British Library archive, we will use the testimonies to create podcasts, radio shows, a web archive, short clips for our communications and educational workshops for school children. This will help platform key voices in the sector whilst simultaneously capturing the heritage of 20 years of Restorative Justice.
On top of this project, we have also added 5 new people to our ‘Stories’ collection this year, showing the many ways Restorative Justice can support people affected by crime. You can read a snapshot of each new story below. Our case studies span those who have been a victim of crime and those who have caused harm. They also cover a variety of crime types, from road traffic collisions, to childhood sexual abuse, hate crime and theft.
We think that amplifying the voices of those who have been through the process is crucial in raising awareness. Hearing someone who has been through it speak to their experience can encourage others to consider whether Restorative Justice is right for them.
Our new stories
Marlee’s Story – Marlee was the first person in North America to get access through the courts to Restorative Justice for sexual violence, after being raped in 2016. The restorative process took her from feeling voiceless and disempowered after the court process, to feeling empowered, relieved and hopeful.
Will’s Story – In 1992, Will was kidnapped and tortured in a case of mistaken identity. After spending 30 years bottling up the emotions he felt as a result of the attack, Will met one of the people who harmed him in a face-to-face Restorative Justice meeting. The meeting changed his life completely.
Andy’s Story – In 2019, Andy’s son, Joe, was killed in a road traffic collision caused by a driver on his phone. The tragic loss left Andy feeling angry and confused. After two Restorative Justice meetings with the driver, Andy found forgiveness for the man who killed his son and says he’s a changed man.
James’ Story – James spent most of his life involved in crime, addicted to drugs and struggling with his self-worth. At the height of his stealing, he was taking roughly £140,000 a year. Meeting retailers face-to-face and building connections with them was a turning point that enabled James to see the bigger picture and find his purpose.
Tami’s Story – Tami is a small business owner from Ontario, Canada. When a beloved community mural on the side of her building was graffitied, she was left with unanswered questions. Restorative Justice gave her the resolution she needed.
Do you have a story to tell?
Do you know someone who has been through Restorative Justice and would be interested in sharing their story to help raise awareness? Have you been through the process yourself?
If you are interested in sharing your experience of Restorative Justice, get in touch with Keeva via keeva.baxter@why-me.org. We would love to help you share the impact that Restorative Justice had on your life.
