Do you want to help deliver Restorative Justice to victims?

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Essex is currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our exciting new pilot project which allows victims of crime to confront their perpetrators. The volunteers would form part of the new Restorative Justice Hub which has been created by PCC Nick Alston as part of national plans to provide enhanced support to victims of crime and deliver community-based solutions. Restorative justice is a process which gives victims, involved in a crime or conflict, the opportunity to meet or communicate with those who have offended against them - in a safe way. Once victims are referred to take part in the process they are given the chance to explain to a criminal the impact a crime has had on them, ask questions of the offender and seek an apology. It enables offenders to be held to account for what they have done but also take responsibility for the harm they have caused. If a face to face meeting is not appropriate they can do so indirectly via letters or messages. The Restorative Justice hub is made up of agencies across Essex who work to support victims of crime, reduce offending and support communities. The project is currently being piloted across West Essex (including the districts of Brentwood, Epping Forest, Harlow and Thurrock). Volunteers for the project must be over the age of 18 and will be expected to meet with victims and offenders living across West Essex. They will also be given the opportunity to offer their feedback on the project, which is expected to roll out to the rest of Essex from October 2015.