Transforming lives through Restorative Justice
Have you been affected by crime or conflict? Do you still think about it? Do you have unanswered questions? Is there more that you need to say?
By talking to the person who harmed you, you could get the answers you need and have your say. You can do this through Restorative Justice. If you’d like to find out more, you can send us an email at info@why-me.org.
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What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative Justice is a dialogue between someone harmed by crime, and the person that caused the harm. It empowers people affected by crime to communicate and move forwards.
Many victims of crime feel sidelined by the criminal justice process, which can keep them in the dark, revictimise them, and leave them with unanswered questions. They deserve better.
What if they could ask questions about the incident, explain the impact it had on them, and have a say in next steps? Restorative Justice makes this possible by facilitating a safe and controlled conversation between the victim and the person responsible, whether through a face-to-face meeting, video, or letters. This usually happens after someone has been through the court system and has been sentenced.
This process is transformative for both parties: it brings victims of crime to the heart of the discussion and allows them to have their voices heard, and it helps people who commit crime to understand the impact of their actions and change their behaviour.
You can learn more about Restorative Justice and how it has helped people affected by crime.
How can I access Restorative Justice?
Each local area has their own Restorative Justice service. If you want to get in touch with your local Restorative Justice service, you can use our map to find them.
Why me? also run our own service for those who can’t access a restorative process from their local provider. If you want to speak to someone about your options regarding Restorative Justice, email us on info@why-me.org.
We can talk to you about Restorative Justice, regardless of the type of crime you experienced. This includes crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, and hate crime.
Our facilitators can take you through the options and discuss whether Restorative Justice is right for you. By having an initial meeting with a facilitator you are not committing to anything further. Exploring the possibility of a restorative process with a trained facilitator can be beneficial in itself, and can help you to understand your needs.
Donate to support more people affected by crime to access Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice brings healing, understanding and closure. Why me? campaigns to allow more people to experience the life-changing benefits of Restorative Justice.
As a small but ambitious charity, we rely on generous one-off and monthly donations from our supporters. No matter the size, Why me? are grateful for all donations made.
For updates on our work and all things Restorative Justice, sign up to our email newsletter.
Janika & Peter’s stories
Janika was stabbed multiple times by her former partner while pregnant, and following the criminal justice process, she still felt trapped by the trauma she had experienced. After his conviction for attempted murder, she eventually met her former partner, with life changing results.
“I did not want to stay a victim, I wanted to acknowledge what had happened but not be defined by it – I wanted to look to the future. Taking part in Restorative Justice was the key that unlocked the door to my future.”
Peter’s life was transformed after meeting the victim of his burglary and assault in a restorative meeting in prison. Having previously committed, by his own reckoning, over 20,000 crimes, Peter never offended again after meeting Will. Understanding the consequences of his actions first-hand encouraged Peter to change his life.
“When you hear the damage you’ve done…the harm you’ve caused, you’ve got to be a very bitter and twisted human being if this doesn’t affect you. The meeting initiated change… it gave me the kickstart I needed.”
