Restorative Justice in Sussex

Restorative Justice (RJ) was launched by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne in 2014. RJ is an approach that emphasises healing for victims, the accountability of offenders and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities.

The process brings someone harmed by a crime into contact with the person responsible, aiming to repair the harm caused and find a positive way forward.

RJ gives victims a chance to explain to the offender the impact their crime has had. The process is entirely voluntary, which means that everyone taking part in the process is there through choice.  It will only happen if both victim and offender want to take part and a trained facilitator assesses it as safe.

Restorative justice often involves a conference, where a victim meets their offender face to face.  Sometimes victims prefer to communicate via letters, recorded interviews or video instead. It's a process which puts victims in control and gives them the opportunity to seek answers from their offender.

If you have been a victim of crime and feel that Restorative Justice would be a positive factor in your healing journey, please contact rj@sussex.police.uk via email. Find out more online: www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/pcc-priorities/victim-services-commissioning/restorative-justice-rj/