Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has welcomed the impact of a project helping residents to resolve neighbourhood disputes using Restorative Justice.
As the nation marked Restorative Justice (RJ) Week, which runs from 17 to 23 November, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC praised work being undertaken by Restorative Justice Initiative Midlands at Home Farm Centre in Leicester to provide skills training to help residents and community workers promote peaceful solutions to conflict and restore community relationships.
RJ is a voluntary process, facilitated by trained practitioners, which enables people harmed by crime and those responsible to communicate or meet in a safe and controlled way to address the harm caused.
It can be a highly effective way for victims to heal and gain closure on their experiences of crime while ensuring the offender understands the true impact of their actions. When used appropriately, it can help to prevent behaviour escalating into more serious or repeat offending
The project, which was visited by Deputy PCC Rani Mahal, received a grant worth almost £10k from the PCC's office which is being used to deliver briefing workshops and training to local stakeholders, faith leaders and police, housing and anti-social behaviour officers.
It is also providing RJ awareness sessions with neighbourhood officers at police stations across the force area, and support for residents who wish to resolve disputes via RJ.
As a result of the work, police officers and community groups have gained an increased understanding of the benefits of RJ. Self-referrals from members of the community requesting RJ intervention support with their neighbours have also increased.
Mr Matthews said: "I believe strongly in a ‘prevention over cure' approach and Restorative Justice, when used successfully, can help communities to become stronger and more resilient to crime in the future.
"Alongside enhanced recovery for victims of crime, RJ can also contribute towards reducing repeat offending, disrupting the revolving door of crime.
"I am pleased with the results of this project so far and the increased awareness among residents, officers and partners about the power of the Restorative Justice approach."
