Throughout my childhood I was sexually abused by my grandad. I first spoke out about it when I was 14, and discovered I wasn’t alone; it had also happened to my auntie and my second cousin. Plucking up the courage to speak to my family about it was incredibly difficult,…
While enjoying their retirement in a peaceful area of Northamptonshire, a couple in their seventies fell victim to burglary. The prolific offender, who had previous convictions spanning over twenty years, broke into the couple’s home and stole large amounts of precious jewellery. He was later sentenced to imprisonment, but despite attempts…
Anti-social behaviour can be a problem in any neighbourhood, no matter the postcode or demographic of its residents. From people who make unacceptable levels of noise to verbal abuse and failure to control pets, anti-social behaviour (or ‘ASB’, as it’s often referred to) comes in many forms, but has the…
Restorative justice presents a unique opportunity to resolve conflicts that relate to serious criminal acts, anti-social behaviour or smaller demeanours. However, whether it’s conducted in-person or remotely, there’s no escaping the fact that this might be one of the most difficult conversations many people are likely to have. If you’re…
If you’re a victim of crime and have come across the term ‘restorative justice’, you’ll doubtless have a whole bunch of questions to which you need answers. Restorative practice has proved to be a fantastic method of dealing with crime for many victims, with 85% typically coming away feeling satisfied.…
In January 2017, Labour MP Christina Rees asked if “there can be a place for restorative justice in domestic abuse cases alongside prosecution”. The response from Sam Gyimah, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, noted that although domestic abuse should, wherever possible, be prosecuted, “there can be a place…
The phrase ‘criminal actions of a child’ isn’t an easy one to swallow. It sounds contradictory – incomprehensible, even. Unfortunately, it’s something the justice system has to deal with all too regularly. More worryingly, research suggests that 72% of children released from custody go on to reoffend within twelve months.…
Meeting someone who has inflicted pain on you either mentally or physically is one of the toughest things you’ll ever do. However, if you can overcome the (entirely understandable) fear associated with such an encounter, it’s also one of the best things you’ll ever do. Restorative practices are proven to…
