The Report 'Restorative Justice: the views of victims and offenders' also
showed that;
· 78% of victims who took part in RJ conferences said they would
recommend it to other victims
· 90% of victims who took part in an RJ conference received an apology
from the offender in their case; as compared with only 19% of victims in the
control group
· Only 6 victims, and 6 offenders, out of 152 offenders and 216
victims interviewed, were dissatisfied with the RJ conference after taking
part
· Around 80% of offenders who took part in the RJ conference thought
it would lessen their likelihood of re-offending.
· Victims who had been through a Restorative Justice conference were
more likely to think the sentence the offender had received was fair, than
victims in the control group who did not participate in RJ
· This research compares with just 33% of victims who think the CJS
meets their needs; and 41% of victims who think the CJS brings offenders to
justice [British Crime Survey 04-05]
This English research tallies with research from around the world showing
the extremely strong victim benefits from restorative justice; and that RJ
can give offenders the insight and motivation to stop offending.
In 2006 a Smart Justice poll with Victim Support showed that 51% of victims
think that offenders having to meet their victims would stop them committing
further crimes while the British Crime Survey 2004-05 shows that around half
of all victims want access to RJ.
But whereas RJ is now an option for victims of young offenders, less than 1%
of victims of adult offenders who want it have access to RJ. In the light of
today's research the Restorative Justice Consortium (RJC) and Smart Justice
are calling for much greater provision of RJ for victims who want to take
part.
Harriet Bailey, CEO of the RJC said:
"Today's research from the Ministry of Justice shows just how much
difference RJ can make to victims. Meeting the offender in person, telling
them the real impact of their crime on you and your family, getting an
apology and some answers, can really help victims move on after a crime. RJ
can help build confidence in the Criminal Justice System. And this research
shows offenders think RJ helps them stop offending. We hope the Government
will act on their own research and make RJ available to all victims who want
it."