Stories
We feature a series of case studies from our Restorative Justice ambassadors giving their personal stories. These stories are powerful illustrations of the impact of Restorative Justice can have and we thank all of our ambassadors greatly for sharing them. The stories below are not to be reproduced without the express permission of Why me?
These stories include crimes that have occurred and may be difficult to read.
If you have been affected by crime and/or would like to have your story published on our website, please email us on info@why-me.org.
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.
Nick’s Story
Nick’s identical twin brother, Simon, was subjected to a horrific attack by two teenagers after asking them for directions. They stole his bank card and beat him repeatedly for his pin number. They then threw him into a pond, unconscious, where he drowned. Nick later met face to face with one of the men who killed his brother, in a meeting he describes as “life changing”.
Paul’s Story
Paul and his family were enjoying a normal evening when the doorbell rang and a gang of four men pushed their way into the house and demanded cash. The police arrived within 8 minutes, and the four men were subsequently arrested, convicted and jailed for a total of 64 years.
Rachel’s Story
Just a few months after Rachel’s house was burgled, she was invited into prison to share how much hurt and harm he’d caused her and her family.
Rob’s story
When his son was robbed, Rob was given the chance to meet the young person responsible to explain the impact of his actions.
Meeting the perpetrator allowed Rob to fully move on from the incident, and lifted a weight off of his shoulders which he didn’t even know he was carrying.
Rosalyn’s Story
Rosalyn was raped and tortured by a serial rapist, who broke into her home one evening, whilst her two year old daughter slept in the room next door. Rosalyn felt strongly that she wanted to meet her attacker to ask ‘Why?’.
Sheldon’s Story
Sheldon was approached and threatened with a knife by a young person as he walked through a local park. Following the attack he was keen to meet the young person and one of their parents in a restorative meeting.
“It gave us both the opportunity to confront properly what happened. Whilst I am still wary of walking through the park, the conference has given me closure. Restorative Justice has the potential of saving lives.”
Sherrall’s Story
Sherrall was verbally attacked by a young person who refused to let her wheelchair pass. Worried that the police would not take her seriously, the incident was never reported. A few years later she contacted Why me? and took part in a restorative conversation.
Stella’s Story
Stella was a high school student, attending a Canada Day beach party with her friends when she was “brutally raped” by an acquaintance. She later met the person who attacked her in a face-to-face Restorative Justice meeting, giving her healing and empowerment that she otherwise would never have achieved.
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.