Find out more about Restorative Justice at public roadshows
Have you been a victim of crime and would like to ask the perpetrator questions or explain how you feel? Are you involved in a conflict, such as a neighbour dispute, which you would like help to resolve?
If the answer to either of the above questions is yes then the Essex Restorative Justice Hub could help you.
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.
These interactions are facilitated by the Essex Restorative Justice hub, which was created by Police & Crime Commissioner for Essex Nick Alston and was launched in April this year.
PCC Nick Alston and Essex RJ Hub development manager Emma Callaghan at the hub’s launch earlier in the year
Initially the project was trialled for six months in West Essex, but following its success, the hub is now rolling out its service to the whole of the county.
To enable residents in other parts of the county to find out more, staff from the hub will be hosting two information roadshows in two Essex towns.
The first event will take place at The High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Exchange Way, Chelmsford on Monday October 26 from 8.30am to 12pm.
It will be followed by an event the next day on Tuesday October 27 from 8.30am to 12pm at The Royal Shopping Centre on Southend High Street.
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “I am pleased that our Restorative Justice Hub has proven to be such a success and we are now able to offer this service to victims of crime and conflict across Essex.
“It really does give people the opportunity to regain control of their situation and get closure and I encourage everyone to visit our roadshows to find out more.”
Emma Callaghan, the development manager for the Essex Restorative Justice hub will be on hand at the roadshows to speak with members of the public.
She added: “As well as giving victims a voice, restorative justice is effective at getting criminals to confront their actions and reduce reoffending. I look forward to being able to explain more at the roadshows.”
Restorative justice is used for some crimes and anti-social behaviour. Everyone involved must consent to take part.
Interactions between victims and offenders take place with the help of volunteers who are recruited and trained by the Essex Restorative Justice Hub.
To take part in restorative justice victims can get referred by partner agencies – such as Victim Support or Essex Police – or complete the simple self-referral form at the following link https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/restorative-justice/.
