Victims of crime often have questions that only the person responsible can answer or simply want to make sure that person knows the harm they have caused. Worse, sometimes the justice system treats victims as little more than witnesses and can further victimize them. Offenders are not encouraged enough by the justice system to take responsibility for what they have done or to really think about who has been hurt or if there is anything they can do to put things right.

Restorative justice gives victims the chance to meet or communicate with their offenders to explain the real impact of the crime – it empowers victims by giving them a voice. It also holds offenders to account for what they have done and helps them to take responsibility and make amends. Government research demonstrates that restorative justice provides an 85% victim satisfaction and reduces crime caused by reoffending by 14%.