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.
Teresa’s story
Teresa was sexually abused by her father when she was very small. He never admitted the crime, which caused rifts in the family. After years enduring trauma and with her father having passed, Teresa sought Restorative Justice.
Viv’s Story
Viv and her husband were woken during the night after their house was broken into. They were able to talk to the young man until the police arrived, and Viv later met him again through Restorative Justice.
Wendy’s story
Wendy was sexually abused by her father when she was 14 years old. He pleaded guilty and received a £20 fine and a one-year conditional discharge. Over 40 years later, Wendy met her father in a restorative meeting.
Ann-Marie’s Story
Ann-Marie was the victim of bullying and learning disability hate crime on the bus. She was keen to convey her experience, be treated with dignity and respected for who she was.
So she worked with Restorative Cleveland to make a video talking about her experience.