Restorative Justice Works

Restorative justice works

Information for victims

March 2015 Contents

3 Introduction 4 Is restorative justice for you? 6 Ruth’s story 7 Tania’s story 8 Restorative justice – the facilitator’s story 10 Shad’s story 12 Ed and Rumbie’s story 14 Paula’s story

The Restorative Justice Council would like to thank everybody who features in this pack for sharing their stories with us.

About the Restorative Justice Council The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) is the independent third sector membership body for the field of restorative practice. It provides quality assurance and a national voice advocating the widespread use of all forms of restorative practice, including restorative justice.

Restorative justice gives victims the chance to meet or communicate with their offenders to tell them the real impact of their crime. This enables victims to get answers to their questions and an apology – it empowers them by giving them a voice. The RJC’s vision is of a restorative society where everyone has access to safe, high quality restorative justice wherever and whenever it is needed.

2 Restorative justice works Introduction

This booklet has been developed by the Restorative Justice Council to help victims understand restorative justice. “For me, restorative justice have your say, ask any questions turned the tables and I don’t that you have, and potentially feel like I’m a victim any more. receive an explanation and an I’m in control now.” apology.

These are the words of a woman This pack aims to answer the who took part in a restorative questions that you may have justice conference. Restorative about restorative justice and justice gives victims the chance explain how the process works. to meet or communicate with If you want to find out more their offender to explain the or would like to watch a short real impact of the crime – it video about the restorative empowers victims by giving justice process, there is more Restorative justice works them a voice. information on the RJC’s website – that’s clear from the www.restorativejustice.org.uk. experiences of the people who Many people find that after they share their stories in this pack. have been a victim of crime they The pack also tells the stories of We also know from research have questions they want to ask people who have been through that 85% of victims who go or things they would like to say restorative justice, explaining through the process find it to the offender. When the case why they chose to take part, beneficial. I hope that this pack goes to court, there is rarely a how it worked in their case, will help you decide whether it chance to do this. Too often, and what they gained from the could work for you. victims are left feeling frustrated experience. They reflect on how and marginalised. Restorative restorative justice has given Jon Collins justice can help to address this them the opportunity to have Chief Executive Officer by giving you the opportunity to their say and to move on. Restorative Justice Council

Restorative justice works 3 Is restorative justice for you?

If you have been a victim of crime and are 5. Which offences can restorative considering restorative justice, you are likely to justice be used for? Restorative justice can potentially be have questions about what it will involve and why used for any type of crime. It can help it might work for you. The information below will victims of low level crime and people give you the answers you need and help you to who have experienced the most serious offences. There are certain make an informed decision about taking part. offences which can pose particular challenges for the restorative process, for example sexual offences, hate 1. What is restorative justice? 3. How will I know what to do? crime and domestic violence. However, Restorative justice gives victims the The restorative justice process is led restorative justice can still help victims chance to meet or communicate with by a facilitator who supports and of these offences. It is important that their offender to explain the real prepares the people taking part and these types of cases are handled by impact of the crime – it empowers makes sure that it is safe. They will be senior practitioners who have relevant victims by giving them a voice. It also able to talk you through the process, skills and experience. holds offenders to account for what answer any questions that you may they have done and helps them to have and explain what will happen take responsibility and make amends. every step of the way. This will be a 6. Is restorative justice safe? Restorative justice often involves a chance to explore what will work best Yes. Facilitators are trained in assessing conference, where a victim meets for you and it is entirely up to you to risks and making sure that the process their offender face to face. Sometimes, decide whether to go through with it. is safe for everybody involved. They when a face to face meeting is not You can drop out at any time. would never let a restorative justice the best way forward, the victim and conference go ahead if they were not offender will communicate via letters, confident that it could be done safely. recorded interviews or video instead. 4. When can restorative justice You would never be left alone with take place? the offender and the facilitator would Restorative justice can take place support you every step of the way. 2. Why would I take part? at any point in the criminal justice Many victims feel that the criminal system. For minor offences, the police justice system does not give them a sometimes deal with the offence 7. Where would a meeting take chance to get involved. Restorative without going to court. Restorative place? justice puts victims at the heart of the justice can be part of this. If the case A restorative justice meeting will take justice process – it gives you a chance does go to court, and the offender place in a safe and neutral venue. It to ask the offender any questions that pleads guilty, the judge or magistrate could be a police station, a probation you have and get anything that you can sometimes decide to delay office or a local community centre. want to say about the impact of the sentencing so restorative justice can If the offender is in prison then the crime off your chest. Government happen. In most instances, however, conference could take place in a research demonstrates that 85% of they are likely to proceed with suitable room in the prison. The victims who take part in restorative sentencing and restorative justice facilitator will discuss the venue with justice find the process helpful. For can form a part of a community or you so you know what to expect, many victims meeting the person who suspended sentence. If the offender is and you can also have a say on how has harmed them can be a huge step sent to prison restorative justice can the room is set up and even where in moving forward in recovering from take place while they are in prison or everybody sits. the crime. Restorative justice also after release. The important thing is helps to cut crime – research shows that it can happen at any stage but it that it reduces reoffending by 14%. must be the right time for you.

4 Restorative justice works 8. Can I have a friend or family that meeting face to face is the most of mind to go through the process. member with me? satisfying form of restorative justice However the facilitator will not stop Yes. Some people prefer to attend a for victims. you from taking part if you have restorative justice meeting on their negative feelings towards the offender. own but others have a friend or Being angry with an offender is natural family member with them to provide 10. Can I stop the process at any and expressing your feelings to them is support. This will be discussed time? an important part of the process. with the facilitator and agreed in Yes. Restorative justice is entirely advance, so that the supporter is fully voluntary and you can pull out at prepared. Even if you decide not to any time, including on the day of a 12. How can I find out more? bring anybody with you, the facilitator conference or even while the meeting If you want to find out more about would always be there. You would is going on. The facilitator will support restorative justice, there is lots of never be left on your own with the you and try to make sure that there information on the RJC’s website offender. are no surprises as you go through the www.restorativejustice.org.uk, process, but whether you go through including details on how to access with it is entirely up to you. restorative justice where you live. You 9. Do I have to meet the offender face may also be able to access restorative to face? justice by asking your victim liaison No. Sometimes, when a face to face 11. Do I need to forgive my offender officer or witness care officer. If you meeting is not the best way forward, to take part in restorative justice? live in England or Wales, you will have the facilitator will arrange for the No. Restorative justice does not a local Police and Crime Commissioner victim and offender to communicate require you to forgive your offender. who may also be able to help you get via letters, recorded interviews or During the preparation the facilitator in touch with a local restorative video. It is up to you whether you will make sure that you feel justice service provider. want to meet the offender in person. comfortable meeting your offender However research has demonstrated and that you are in the right frame

Restorative justice works 5 Ruth’s story

Ruth was burgled when she and her seven year old granddaughter were in the house. Restorative justice helped her feel safe in her home again.

It was 2am and I heard a noise. doing, that he’d taken drugs My first thought was for my and that he hadn’t meant to granddaughter. She was seven years break into my house. old at the time and I went straight to her room to check that she was asleep, I next saw the burglar – which thankfully she was. Joseph* – in court around four months later. The judge I crept downstairs, trying not to wake said that in 99 cases in 100 my granddaughter or make any noise he would recommend a custodial drugs] that he didn’t that the burglar might hear. I could sentence but that he would give him remember breaking in or where I lived. see that he’d smashed the patio door this one chance. The burglar pleaded It was very emotional and we even and broken the locks and I could to see me but I couldn’t face it so my hugged at the end. hear him going through the drawers daughter and sister in law went to see and cupboards in the kitchen. I got him. He was full of remorse and I felt After meeting Joseph I felt such relief my phone and crept back upstairs, better that they’d spoken to him. They – it meant I could finally get to sleep relieved not to have to confront him could tell that he was very sorry but I at night. Before, I used to take down on my own. just couldn’t see him. anything hanging on the wall in case it fell and made a noise that would I called my brother who said he’d be Several months later, Joseph’s scare me. I even peered in through the there in a couple of minutes and then probation officer got in touch to say windows from the outside to see what I called 999. The operator did his best that he’d still really like to meet me someone outside could see. It really to calm me down and keep me on the in a restorative justice conference damaged my sense of safety in my line, because I was so afraid for my and I agreed. The probation officer own house and I considered moving. granddaughter. He reassured me that facilitated the meeting and prepared Since the meeting, I feel a lot better. the police were on their way. me for it and talked to me about what would happen. I felt supported and Joseph has said that he will keep in The next thing I heard was an almighty reassured by the time I went into the touch and I hope that he will keep me scream. I was petrified but I was meeting and my sister in law came updated. I really hope it helps him quickly told that the police had tasered with me. to get on with his life. He has a lot of the burglar – the source of the scream support and as he has a child of his – before arresting him on the spot. Joseph looked very nervous. I told the own to look after now, he has every story of what had happened from my reason not to break the law again. Once I realised that the police had point of view. He kept apologising over control of the situation, I asked them and over and repeating in disbelief The RJC would like to thank Ruth Lambert for if I could see the burglar. I was very that my granddaughter was asleep sharing her story with us. angry and told him to his face what I in bed – he seemed shocked by his * Joseph’s name has been changed. thought of him. He made excuses and actions. Joseph said he remembered said that he didn’t know what he was going out but he was so out of it [on

6 Restorative justice works Tania’s story

When Tania* was robbed on a busy street, her to you. Every decision about what confidence was destroyed. Restorative justice happens is yours. You are free to tell them exactly what you think of them, helped her get back her peace of mind. the ball is in your court.

I was on my way to the local shops was. Craig told me he had asked for I had become really withdrawn after when I felt what I thought was the meeting because he felt so guilty. the robbery, but I feel I’ve got my someone bumping into me. It took He said that he couldn’t get the sound self-confidence back faster since the me a few seconds to realise that of my screaming out of his head – he restorative justice meeting. I’ve got my someone had grabbed my handbag woke up with it in the morning and peace of mind back, my stability. In a and I was dragged, screaming, along couldn’t stop thinking about it. He strange way, I admire the courage it the pavement. A lady who had seen said he’d never committed a robbery took for Craig to meet me. He didn’t everything contacted the police before and although there was no have to take part but he did, and I straight away. The police came and excuse, his drug addiction was the sole think it made him realise what it feels took me home but were unable to reason for what he’d done. like to be a victim. track the mugger down. Afterwards, I felt relief. I felt like I feel that restorative justice should be Two weeks later the mugger was I could draw a line under my available for everyone. Anything that arrested on a separate drug-related experience. I would recommend helps the victim to feel better can only matter. At the time of his arrest he restorative justice to other victims. be a good thing, whatever the crime. said that he wanted to confess to my For me it definitely worked. I think it robbery because he had been feeling goes a long way to putting the incident The RJC would like to thank Tania for sharing her so guilty about it. About a month later into perspective and starts to give you story with us. I was contacted by PC Nick Hughes – closure. You see the person for who * Tania’s name has been changed. Craig, the mugger, had asked to take they are and it gives you back control part in a restorative conference with over what happens me. My first reaction was to wonder if he’d get anything out of it – why should I help him get time off his sentence? I soon learned that wouldn’t be the case. I spoke with PC Nick at length and he explained everything and gave me time to think about it. I decided to go ahead with the meeting.

On the day of the conference, I felt I was thoroughly prepared – I was nervous but happy I was going to get some answers. It was obvious from Craig’s demeanour and attitude that he felt much more uncomfortable and far, far more stressed than I

Restorative justice works 7 Restorative justice – the facilitator’s story

Charlotte Calkin has been a restorative justice discuss this carefully with you. I get facilitator for five years, and is an RJC Accredited asked lots of things about the actual conference and some people ask if Practitioner. Here, she talks about the role of it’s necessary to forgive the offender. facilitators and what victims can expect if they The answer is definitely no – that’s not take part in restorative justice. what restorative justice is about. Every detail of the conference will I work on all kinds of cases, and what your needs are and whether be discussed with you in advance. I’ve seen first-hand how powerful restorative justice is for you. Your facilitator will arrange with you restorative justice can be in turning where it will take place and talk to victims’ lives around, even in cases as It will be explained that a restorative you about who will arrive first, where serious as murder. Restorative justice approach might result in contact everyone will sit – even transport and is a subject very close to my heart. via letter, shuttle mediation (where childcare arrangements, if necessary. messages are passed between you The facilitator will want to find out If your offender is caught, a trained and the offender via the facilitator, or as much as possible in order to make restorative justice facilitator may through video or audio recordings) the process work for you. Depending contact you asking you whether you or a face to face meeting, which is on the severity and complexity of the would like to find out more about the referred to as a conference. Evidence crime you may have several meetings process. Alternatively, you can ask any shows that face to face conferences, with your facilitator before you meet of the professionals involved in your while the most challenging, also give the offender. It’s important to know case, who should be able to help. the most satisfaction to the victim. that whatever happens, you should be thoroughly prepared. If you are interested it’s much better It’s the facilitator’s role to risk assess to have this conversation face to face, the restorative process to make sure You will be asked if you want to and at this first meeting the facilitator that it’s safe and appropriate for bring a supporter to the conference will encourage you to talk about everyone, and sometimes they might and they will also meet with your the incident and discover whether a decide that a face to face conference facilitator in advance. The conference restorative approach could help you. isn’t the best option. If that’s the case, itself will normally take place in a This meeting will be arranged either they will explain why not and offer safe environment like a police station, in your home or in a safe and quiet an alternative wherever possible. probation office, or even sometimes in space that’s convenient for you. You Sometimes, contact is made via shuttle a prison. might want to have someone with or letter first and then a face to face you to support you, which is fine. The conference takes place at a later date. No one will be brought together facilitator will ask lots of questions but until the facilitator is sure it will be this is your opportunity to ask them Once the facilitator has met you and beneficial to all parties, and that’s why lots of questions, too. you’ve decided you’d like to go ahead they do such careful preparation. Once with the process, they will talk to the that has been done, the conference At this meeting a few key points will offender. If he or she is interested in a itself is all yours – it’s your chance to be explained to you. The first is that restorative justice conference and the have your say and get the answers that restorative justice has to be voluntary facilitator has risk assessed that it is you need. The facilitator will begin by for both parties and that this applies appropriate then there will probably laying down some ground rules about all the way through the process. That be a second meeting with you to talk how people are expected to behave means that you, or the offender, can in more detail. The facilitator will towards one another, and will also change your mind – you can back out also talk to you about the outcomes manage the structure of the meeting. at any stage. The main point of this you would like from the conference. Then it’s over to you – you can say first meeting with your facilitator is It’s very important that we manage what you need to knowing that you’re to talk about what happened and to people’s expectations of the outcomes in a safe, controlled environment. gain a really clear understanding of of restorative justice so we need to

8 Restorative justice works Most of the people whom I have criminal justice system and restorative have taken part in this process. I know worked with chose to do restorative justice can give them a voice. There that because I have kept in touch with justice because they wanted to get are lots of different reasons for them! Restorative justice isn’t suitable answers to questions that had been wanting to do restorative justice, and in every case but, in my experience, plaguing them or because they the process will be tailor made to fit those who have done it have found it wanted to get some of their feelings your needs. has given them tremendous closure off their chest to the person who and allowed them to move on with directly affected them. Sometimes I have facilitated all sorts of cases and their lives. they feel that they haven’t been heard all the victims I have worked with have during their journey through the felt better about the crime after they

Restorative justice works 9 Shad’s story

In July 2008, Shad Ali was the victim of a violent I spent 10 weeks at home attack. Here, he talks about his five-year quest recuperating. It was very difficult for my wife, who had to look after me to meet his attacker, and how restorative justice round the clock. Meanwhile, Glenn changed his life. – my attacker – was on the run. It took six weeks for the police to finally It was the middle of the afternoon me in the face hard enough to knock identify and arrest him. It turned out on a hot, sunny day and I was on me out. He then kicked me so hard he that Glenn had a history of violence my bike running some errands in shattered the bone underneath my eye and was also wanted for an earlier central Nottingham. As I rode along, in four places. After that, he started to attack with a machete. a man was shouting racist abuse at stamp on my head repeatedly. My only two Pakistani women. His fists were saving grace in all of this was that I was The trial was the most difficult thing clenched, and his manner was very out cold – I have no recollection of it. I went through. I decided to go alone threatening and aggressive. I was because I didn’t want to put anyone concerned that he was going to attack By the time I got to hospital, I was in else through having to listen to the the women, so I stopped my bike in horrific pain. My wife arrived to find details of the attack. I knew that Glenn case I needed to intervene. me with half my face caved in, and my was pleading not guilty, and his lawyer right eye sunken out of its socket. She really laid into the witnesses – myself The man continued to shout, but by was incredibly traumatised by seeing included – to discredit their evidence. I then he’d passed the women and was me like that, but we were both trying started to feel that I was nothing more walking in my direction. He saw me to comfort and reassure each other. than a bystander in this process, even looking at him and shouted: ‘What the Luckily, my sight started to return after though I was the victim. f***ing hell are you looking at, Paki?’ I a few hours, but I was told I needed responded by telling him that it wasn’t major reconstructive facial surgery. For the whole week we were in court, OK to use language like that, but he Glenn refused to make eye contact carried on shouting. By that time, he’d I stayed awake in my hospital bed with me. I’d already forgiven him, but reached where I was standing with all night, completely focused on my I had to watch him lie as he refused my bike, and he put his face right up attacker. I couldn’t get my head around to admit what he’d done. His heavily against mine and continued abusing how someone could carry out such pregnant girlfriend was also in court, me – basically, he wanted a fight. horrific violence with no justification. and I had to sit a few feet away from Although he’d been using foul, racist her. It was all very distressing, and I was frightened, but my social work language, I didn’t believe that the Glenn’s lawyer was so effective at training had taught me that when attack was racially motivated – he casting doubt on the evidence that it someone’s really losing control, the was so full of rage that I think he ended up with a hung jury. I had to go most important thing is to remain calm would have reacted in the same way through the whole process again. yourself. The verbal abuse carried on if I had been white. As I lay there, I for a few minutes, and eventually I couldn’t help feeling that he was also The second trial had a completely said to him, ‘Look, I’m not interested a victim of some kind. Something different judge, and this time, it in fighting, I’m going to leave.’ I turned had happened in his life which had quickly became apparent that things my bike around to ride away. That was manifested itself in this horrific, violent weren’t going well for Glenn. As he the last thing I remember. outburst. By the time the nurses were was pleading not guilty, he was facing bringing round the breakfast trolleys, 10 to 14 years in prison if convicted. I woke up with a huge, dull ache on I’d decided to forgive him. I knew he needed to be locked up for the right hand side of my face and no his own – and others’ – safety, but the vision in my right eye. My bike was I had surgery two days later – it took idea of keeping someone inside for 10 yards away, and there were lots of five hours for the doctors to put my that long was quite abhorrent to me. people around me trying to help me face back together, and I still have four into an ambulance. I found out later titanium plates holding the bones in Halfway through the trial, Glenn stood that when I’d turned to leave, the man place. I felt incredibly lucky to be alive. up in court and changed his plea to had run up behind me and punched guilty. For the first time, he looked

10 Restorative justice works at me, and put his hands together expectations of what the day would everything – what had happened that in a gesture which clearly asked for bring. My heart was racing and I was day, the trial, Glenn’s background, my forgiveness. He was sentenced to five anxious and nervous, but excited – I background. And then we talked about years, and both his girlfriend and I wanted to go into the meeting with an the future – it seemed very natural to broke down when we heard. I left the open heart and mind. discuss how we were going to move courtroom and was physically sick at forward, together. Glenn asked if I the thought of Glenn going to prison, The prison had gone to a lot of effort would write to him, and I offered to and possibly never recovering from to make everyone comfortable, visit him. He said he wanted to move the experience. and the film crew had already been away from Nottingham when he got allowed into the prison to meet Glenn. out, so I offered to help him with that. After the trial, I was appointed a They filmed Glenn’s walk from his cell By the end of the meeting, it felt like victim liaison officer by the probation to the meeting room, but the moment we had become friends. That chapter service. I told them that I wanted to he walked through the door it was as if had closed, and a new one had begun. visit Glenn, but they made excuses the cameras completely disappeared. about why that wouldn’t be possible. I was ecstatic. I couldn’t have asked Meanwhile, my story had attracted We shook hands, and then, for anything more, and I think Glenn a lot of media attention, and I was spontaneously, we hugged. It was probably had his best night’s sleep contacted by an organisation called totally unexpected, and I became in five years that night. Restorative The Forgiveness Project. They run a very emotional and started crying. justice introduced an element of three-day restorative programme in Colin started the conference by asking humanity into a situation which had prisons called RESTORE, and I started Glenn what had happened on the day dehumanised both Glenn and myself. to go into prisons to share my story he’d attacked me. Glenn, who’d been The process may seem difficult, but I with groups of prisoners. The first time thinking about his answer for some think victims and offenders can get so I did it, I sat in front of a group of 20 time, started to blurt out his story much out of it. The only way to resolve hardened criminals – I was incredibly as fast as possible – he was so keen conflicts between people is to sit nervous about telling my story to to get to the point at which he could together, talk, and find a way to move them. But I went ahead, and by the apologise. He broke down, and had to forward. Not everyone will get out of end, some of the men had tears in leave the room. it what I did, but restorative justice has their eyes. The impact on me was an invaluable part to play in resolving profound. I thought he wasn’t going to come conflict. back, but he pulled himself together I kept persisting with my request and we carried on talking for another The RJC would like to thank Shad for sharing his to visit Glenn, but it was four years hour and a half. We talked about story with us. before I was even allowed to send him a letter. After months of chasing, I found out that Glenn had written back – he was full of remorse, and wanted to meet me too. Finally, after years of badgering and pestering, I was referred to an organisation in Nottingham called REBUILD. A week later, I met with Colin Wilson, a restorative justice facilitator. Suddenly, everything changed.

Within a few months, Colin had managed to set up a meeting. At that point, I threw a bit of a spanner in the works. Having been involved in restorative work myself, I was aware of how powerful it might be for people to actually see a conference taking place. I suggested that my meeting with Glenn could be filmed, and then used as a resource for training and awareness.

It took months to set up the film, but finally, in April 2014, the day of the meeting arrived. I woke up that morning with a huge sense of relief, but I was also conscious that I needed to try not to have any

Restorative justice works 11 Ed and Rumbie’s story

When Ed and Rumbie were burgled two weeks more about restorative justice – we after moving into their flat, their optimism about were really curious to know more about it and what it involved, and we their new life together was ruined. As part of a found some films about the process. pre-sentence restorative justice trial taking place at Wood Green Crown Court they were given After watching the films, we felt like it was our duty to take part in the opportunity to meet their offender at restorative justice. We were never Pentonville Prison. pressured into it, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

Rumbie: Ed and I had just moved in day. Everything else was replaceable, Ed: Once we decided to go ahead with to our first flat together. We were in but that one thing was so personal to the conference, we were told exactly the middle of unpacking and settling me that I felt furious that the burglar where it would take place and what in. Ed had just been promoted and I’d had taken it. would happen. I felt fine until a few just got a new job, so it was a really days before the conference, but on the exciting time. Ed came home one day Ed: The burglar hadn’t taken anything day, it was definitely nerve racking. and found a brick on the kitchen floor. which was dear to me, like my guitars, He rang me and said: ‘I think we’ve but I didn’t feel like the flat was home Rumbie: I was really nervous on the been burgled.’ anymore. As it was our first proper day of the meeting, too. But the place together, it was the first time police had reassured us that if Fabian Ed: I had a quick look around the flat, we’d been able to leave things lying was violent or we were at risk, they and at first it didn’t look too bad. Then around where we wanted them. wouldn’t allow the meeting to go I noticed that our iPads were gone, After the burglary we started to put ahead. We trusted the people who and so was my hard drive. All of the everything away before going out – I were organising the meeting. drawers in our bedroom had been stopped feeling like our house was our tipped out and everything had been personal space. Ed: It was the first time either of rifled through. us had seen the inside of a prison, In those first few weeks afterwards which was interesting. We went into I called Rumbie at work and she came my sleep was disrupted – the slightest the chapel, where the conference straight home. I felt very upset. I knew noise would wake me up instantly. I was taking place, and took a while Rumbie already had doubts about was very nervous. I no longer felt as if I deciding exactly how we wanted the our new neighbourhood, and moving could take our privacy for granted. seating arranged. Then we chatted there had been my idea. I felt really awkwardly until Fabian, the burglar, guilty and I expected her to be very Rumbie: What followed was weeks was brought in. distraught. of visits from the police to keep us informed of what was happening. They Rumbie: We were initially quite Rumbie: Because the flat was still new caught the burglar through traces of taken aback because we’d expected to us it hadn’t started to feel like home his DNA which were on the brick. He someone very different. Fabian was yet and I felt completely invaded by was already known to the police as a well dressed and well spoken – he the burglary. We’d had great plans prolific offender. seemed like a really normal guy and when we moved in and it was really we couldn’t get our heads around frustrating to hit such a bump in One day, we had a visit from PC what was going on with him to make the road. I already felt a bit unsafe, Mark Davies and Kate Renshaw from him do what he did. because our area isn’t the safest in Only Connect, a local charity. They London, and the burglary made me explained that the burglar – Fabian Ed: I didn’t know in advance what I really angry. – had been caught, and was willing wanted to ask him – I figured it would to meet us in a restorative justice come to me on the day. We’d been For me, the worst thing I lost was my conference. After they left we started encouraged not to plan too much. backpack, which I took to work every to look on the internet to find out Fabian had brought a letter he’d

12 Restorative justice works prepared for us and he started by do for himself, and not because I told also concluded some of the emotional reading that out. It talked about how him to. What I did suggest was that he aspects – it closed a chapter for us. he understood it must be strange for didn’t go back to his flat – which he’d Now, I’ve got a sense of perspective us to meet him and that we probably managed to keep for a decade while on what happened to us, but it’s hated him. He then went on to talk going in and out of prison – as that also given me some insight into the about the burglary. He’d been in the was associated with his old life. criminal justice process – it involved park next to our house using drugs, me. We were assured that restorative and when he’d run out he’d seen our I think I got through to him a little justice does not necessarily lead to road, which is quiet and secluded. bit, but Rumbie was more effective. a more lenient sentence, and in fact, She said to him: ‘If someone asks me we could request that the judge didn’t Rumbie: For me, the personal impact what this guy is like, what should I tell take it into account when considering of the burglary was lessened by them?’ That was the first time he was Fabian’s sentence. I felt that if the meeting him. I realised that it had lost for words – maybe it was a little conference was going to be helpful to been a spur of the moment decision ray of light coming through a crack. He the judge in making a decision, then it – he was off his face – whereas before couldn’t answer – it challenged him. should definitely be considered. I had thought it was premeditated. I learned that he wasn’t watching us, he Rumbie: When we left the meeting If someone else was considering wasn’t following us, which are things I felt really sorry for Fabian, but restorative justice, I would tell them you think when someone’s been in personally, I felt a lot safer in our to go for it. It offers you emotional your house. home and our neighbourhood. We closure and it puts a perspective on felt empowered, but we’ll definitely a crime – it seems less sinister. And Ed: I told Fabian how the crime had think about Fabian for a long time and it involves people – citizens – in the affected us, and how I felt about my wonder how he’s doing. justice process. They come face to face home after he’d been in it. I didn’t with it and understand how it works. think it was worth asking him to Ed: The conference definitely helped go into a programme for his drug me to move on – it was a valuable The RJC would like to thank Restorative addiction – I felt that was something experience. It made both of us less Solutions CIC, Wood Green Crown Court and Ed and Rumbie for sharing their story with us. he was only ever going to be able to worried that we’d been targeted, but it

Restorative justice works 13 Paula’s story

Paula Donohoe became the victim of sexually I’m a strong, independent woman, harmful behaviour when a young man exposed and I was really shocked at how I went to pieces afterwards. The thing himself to her. Here, she talks about why she that really bothered me was that he’d wanted to meet the offender, and why other been following me, and I’d changed victims should have the same opportunity. the circumstances by turning around. Before that, I’d been heading towards an underpass, and I was tormented It was January, and I was walking my worse, there was no way off the with thoughts of what might have dog some time after 4pm – it was footpath for some distance – I didn’t happened if I hadn’t changed almost dark. It was absolutely freezing, have anywhere to run to. I shouted, direction. What were his intentions? and I was walking along a well-lit ‘What do you want?’, and he walked Would he have raped me? footpath near where I live. My phone right up to me. I could see he was rang, and I dug it out of my pocket – I wearing school uniform, so he was About a week later, my designated CID was so wrapped up against the cold a boy, but he was big, and strong- officer took me to the local school to that only my eyes and nose were looking. He wasn’t wearing a coat, see if I could identify the boy. By this uncovered. which was odd, and he had his arms time I was feeling terrible. I felt a huge crossed in front of him. responsibility to identify him because At first, I didn’t notice that there was I was really worried about what he someone walking behind me. I finished I still thought he was going to steal might do to someone else, or what my phone call, but I was so cold that my phone, but then he slowly moved he might have done previously. We I barely noticed what was going on his hands away, and exposed himself didn’t spot the boy at the school, but around me. Suddenly, I decided that it to me. I didn’t know what to do – my afterwards we walked around town, was too cold to go on. I stopped in my immediate reaction was nervous and I saw him standing on his own. I tracks, and turned round to walk home laughter. At that point I’d been single had been concerned that I wouldn’t again, calling the dog. I walked straight for a while, and it was the first male recognise him, but when I spotted him past someone who’d been behind me anatomy I’d seen for some time. I think I knew without a shadow of doubt before I turned round. As I went on, I said, ‘You have got to be joking – how who he was. I heard a noise, so I looked back and old are you?’, and he was so indignant. saw the same person I’d just passed, The boy was interviewed, and who was now also walking the same I suddenly realised that I should call immediately admitted what he’d way as me. the police, and as I fumbled in my done, but I still had lots of questions pocket for my phone he started to I needed answers to. I felt I really I carried on walking, and then I heard run away. I half wanted to chase after needed closure, because everything another noise. I looked back again him, because I was really angry by was done on his terms, and I never and the same figure was behind me, that point. Then I wondered whether really had a say. but he’d also stopped. At that point, I calling the police was an overreaction. started to get uneasy. I walked a few Two or three months later, I got a more paces and turned round a third I walked home, still unsure of what letter out of the blue from Jodie, a time – the figure behind me stopped to do. I started to worry about what restorative justice facilitator. It was a again. I realised there was something he might go on to do – he could hurt really nice, personal letter giving me really wrong. I knew he was following someone – so I called the non- some information about restorative me, and I was starting to feel scared. emergency police number. The police justice and asking whether I’d be were amazing – within 24 hours of interested in talking further about My first thought was that he was going my call, I had an interview with a CID it. I contacted Jodie, who came to to steal my phone. Although I was officer. I still thought that what had meet me. on a busy footpath, at that particular happened wasn’t very serious because moment, there was nobody in sight I hadn’t been hurt, but they took it In everything that had happened, none other than this man. To make matters completely seriously. of it had been about my emotional

14 Restorative justice works reaction. The police were amazing, I’d been so wrapped up against the dreaded watching it at the same but it’s their job to deal in facts, not cold the day the offence happened, time. In my mind, he was a big chap feelings. Jodie listened – many times the boy had no idea what I looked like. – and he is a lot taller and broader – to how I felt, and what I’d gone By making the film, he would be able than me – but in the video, he was through emotionally. For the first time, to see me, and Jodie took a long time just this pathetic little person. That I was given a voice and a chance to counselling me about that. I’d actually was really amazing, because all his make decisions. I knew that restorative seen him around town a couple of power over me suddenly dissolved. justice was the way forward. times already, and he didn’t recognise He was extremely uncomfortable and me at all. It was a horrible feeling – I agitated throughout the video. He I wanted to ask the boy what his had to walk past him, but he had no was very evasive, and didn’t answer intentions had been, and I also wanted idea who I was or what he’d done to my questions, but it made me realise him to hear what he’d done to me. me. I was nobody to him. he was nothing to be afraid of – it I still get very anxious whenever humanised him. someone’s walking behind me. Even Although I had really wanted a face to if it’s a woman, I have to stop and face meeting, with hindsight I think I felt like a weight had been lifted off let them walk past me. I’m always the video idea was probably better. me, and that wouldn’t have happened checking over my shoulder. If we’d met face to face, I might if I hadn’t been offered restorative have had difficulty picking the right justice. I know some people don’t When I found out that he didn’t want words. Worse, I might have become think it should be used in cases of to meet me, I was furious – it felt like emotional, and I was absolutely sexually harmful behaviour, but I think he had power and control over me all determined not to let him see any it should be up to the victim to make over again. But Jodie was fantastic, vulnerability. With a video, you can do that choice, or their power to make and she suggested video recordings as as many takes as you need to get your decisions is being taken away, again. It an alternative. It was imperative to me message across. I knew some of my wouldn’t suit everyone, but the only that that boy listened to what I had to questions might be futile if he chose person who can legitimately make that say, and how that happened wasn’t to answer untruthfully, but I told him decision is the victim. really important. how upset and traumatised I was by what he’d done. It was so liberating I’m still in touch with Jodie, and Jodie gave me a lot of preparation just to have a voice, and to know he’d I’m about to start volunteering as a before we recorded my video. I was have to listen to what I was saying. community panel member. For me, able to choose not to film it in my restorative justice has been incredibly house, because I didn’t want him to Two weeks later, he made his film empowering. I’ve regained control see where I live. Another issue was for me. I wanted to watch it but by turning a negative, my anonymity. Because frightening experience into a positive, life-changing one. I’ll always be grateful for that.

The RJC would like to thank Paula for sharing her story with us.

Restorative justice works 15 Restorative justice works “For me, restorative justice turned the tables and I don’t feel like I’m a victim any more. I’m in control now.” Find out more at www.restorativejustice.org.uk