West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced new investment will be committed to empowering victims of crime, and reducing reoffending.
This programme will see £893,292 committed to continuing an existing initiative that brings victims together with those responsible for crime. The aim of this is to give the victims the opportunity to be heard, ask questions of the offenders that wronged them, and play their part in the resolution of the matter.
Contact between victims and offenders can take place either face to face, or indirectly and will only happen if both parties agree. This process also involves careful preparation and a risk assessment by an experienced practitioner.
Restorative Solutions CIC will continue to provide the programme across the region over the course of the next three years, having already supported 5,767 people in its previous three and a half year cycle.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“Through this investment I’m continuing to put victims first in our work to create a safer, fairer region.
“We know that Restorative Justice can be extremely beneficial in helping people to cope with and recover from the harm they’ve suffered following a crime.
“The service also provides an opportunity for offenders to face up to the consequences of their actions, take responsibility and commit to changing their behaviours for the better.”
An example of the restorative work being done is when West Yorkshire resident Tara’s brother was killed by a speeding driver. The driver, Oliver, was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving and a meeting was eventually set up between the two by Restorative Justice which allowed Tara to ask questions that were important to her, whilst Oliver was given the opportunity to apologise for Tara’s brother’s death.
Kate Brooksbank, Restorative Solutions’ West Yorkshire Delivery Manager, also commented:
"We are delighted to have been recommissioned by Mayor Tracy Brabin to deliver the Restorative Justice service in West Yorkshire.
"This process allows victims the opportunity to communicate with those responsible in a way that's right for them.
"Having delivered the service since 2018, we know the true impact that RJ can have on both victims and offenders and we look forward to raising more awareness so those affected by crime can access the service when it is right for them."
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