Restorative Justice Week is fast approaching, taking place between the 15th and the 21st of November. It is a time to celebrate the transformative power of Restorative Justice, learn more about the process and spread the word. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that people affected by crime face in accessing Restorative Justice, and how we can overcome them.
Research shows that less than 6% of victims of crime recall being told about Restorative Justice. Without accessible information, they cannot make an informed decision about the resources they need to heal. Restorative Justice Week presents a unique opportunity for the criminal justice sector to come together and amplify the message, ensuring that everyone impacted by crime can learn about the options available to them.
In this resource, we explain the range of ways that you can get involved in this year’s Restorative Justice Week.
Key information
Restorative Justice Week (RJ Week) takes place annually and falls between the 16th and 22nd of November this year.
The theme this year is ‘Rebuilding communities through Restorative Justice’.
You can be part of the discussion online by using the hashtags ‘#RJWeek’ or ‘#RJWeek26’.
A time to learn & listen to the voices of experience
Why me? are running two online sessions that you can be part of during Restorative Justice Week. In both, you will hear the experiences of people who have been through Restorative Justice – the most impactful way to learn about the power of the process.
Wednesday 18th November 2026 12:00 – 1:30pm
Do you support people affected by crime and conflict? Do you know what Restorative Justice is? Want to find out more?
This Restorative Justice Week, join Why me? for a Restorative Justice: Unpacked event where we will talk about what Restorative Justice is, clear up misconceptions, and generate a discussion about how it can transform the Criminal Justice System for the better. You will learn how to support people who might be interested in Restorative Justice and make referrals into your local service.
We will also be joined by one of our Why me? Ambassadors who will speak about their personal experience of crime and Restorative Justice. Hearing from someone who has dealt with a traumatic experience through Restorative Justice is a unique opportunity and we hope it gives you the chance to fully understand how and why the process works. Tickets for this session are £36.
Join us in Restorative Justice Week to explore this year’s theme of ‘Rebuilding communities through Restorative Justice’. In a time of unrest and division in the UK and beyond, it is particularly important to focus on healing, repairing relationships and finding shared common ground. Restorative Justice is a powerful tool that can be utilised to rebuild communities after harm has occurred. In this event, we will share reflections on the theme from experts who have been through the restorative process or been a part of delivering it.
Why me? also have a few ways that you can learn from experts by experience in your own time:
Read our stories page
Listen to our collection of ‘Damage and Repair’ interviews
Listen to our ‘Restorative Talks’ podcast
Spread the word
One of the main aims of Restorative Justice Week is to get the message out there so that people affected by crime know that Restorative Justice exists and how it could help them. Restorative organisations around the world will be sharing new resources and content across the week.
You can join the conversation by:
- Talking to friends, family, colleagues or people you support about what Restorative Justice is.
- Using the hashtags #RJWeek and #RJWeek26 on social media.
- Using the RJ Week graphics created by the European Forum for Restorative Justice.
- Comment on the theme, ‘Rebuilding communities through Restorative Justice’. Could you write a blog about how restorative work could impact your community? Or ask the people in your area who have been through Restorative Justice how it affected their community?
- Post on social media about Restorative Justice. You can use some of our sample posts below and adapt them to suit your purposes.
Sample text to include in social media posts:
- “Restorative Justice is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of people affected by crime. This #RJWeek, we are reflecting on just some of the ways that Restorative Justice can be beneficial…”
- “Many people who have been affected by crime feel trapped in a cycle of trauma that they are unable to escape from. Restorative Justice has the power to change this.”
- “Restorative Justice is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of people affected by crime.”
- “The harm caused by crime can prevent people from having a happy and healthy future. But, access to Restorative Justice can help clear the path and enable them to fulfil their potential.”
- “As the world gets more polarised, dialogue is increasingly important. Restorative Justice creates a space for conversation between victims of crime and the people who harmed them. An opportunity for accountability, understanding, empathy and a chance at closure for all parties.”
- “We believe that justice is about accountability, understanding, and empowerment. Yet the Criminal Justice System often leaves people affected by crime feeling excluded and confused. Going through a restorative process allows them to have their voices heard and move on with their lives.”
- “Restorative Justice is about re-balancing the scales of power so that everybody is heard and individuals and communities can reach their full potential.”
Useful resources
You are welcome to use and share the following resources on your own platforms. Please credit Why me? and link back to our website where possible.
- Our ‘How to communicate Restorative Justice effectively’ guide
- Our map of local Restorative Justice services. This allows people to find and contact a service near them for more information about Restorative Justice in their area.
- Short animation video depicting a simple restorative process. This resource has no words so is suitable for those who do not speak English as a first language, young people, people with learning disabilities or autism etc.
- Leaflet on ‘What is Restorative Justice?’
- Easy Read style ‘What is Restorative Justice’ document
- If you want to understand the application of RJ for specific crime types like domestic violence or faith based hate crime, read our reports.
- Our short film, ‘What would you say?’ which visually explores the power of Restorative Justice
If you want to learn more about Restorative Justice or embed it in your organisation, you can find out about our training and consultancy options. Our courses range from an introductory session for your staff, to in-depth consultancy on how best to communicate RJ to the people in your area or training on delivering complex cases. Get in touch with us via info@why-me.org to discuss.
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