How can Restorative Justice support survivors of domestic and sexual violence?

Do you work with people who have been affected by domestic or sexual violence? Have you experienced one of these crimes yourself? Do you want to understand how Restorative Justice can be used to repair the harm caused by those crimes.

People who have experienced domestic and sexual violence often face barriers to accessing Restorative Justice. We hear the concerns of organisations who support survivors and want this event to explore the benefits, risks and how we can work together to ensure that people affected by these crimes can access the resources they need.

Join us to hear directly from survivors of domestic and sexual violence who have been through the Restorative Justice process. Our panel will share what they needed for their recovery and how a variety of restorative processes helped in their journey towards healing. We will also be joined by our Restorative Justice Coordinator, Inger Brit Lowater, who will give the perspective of a facilitator who has delivered Restorative Justice for these crime types.

You will also be the first to receive Why me?'s new podcast 'Restorative Talks' and will meet the makers and speakers from the first three episodes!

Meet our panel: 

Wendy - Wendy was sexually abused by her father when she was 14 years old. He pleaded guilty and received a £20 fine and a one-year conditional discharge. Over 40 years later, Wendy met her father in a restorative meeting.

Teresa - Teresa was sexually abused by her father when she was very small. He never admitted the crime, which caused rifts in the family. After years enduring trauma and with her father having passed, Teresa sought Restorative Justice.

Janika - Janika suffered a violent knife attack at the hands of her former partner. He was convicted for attempted murder and remains in prison. She said, “Taking part in restorative justice was the key that unlocked the door to my future.”

Inger Brit - Inger Brit is Why me?'s Restorative Justice Coordinator. She oversees the work of the volunteer facilitators and manages the cases that come into Why me?’s Restorative Justice service. Inger Brit has been involved with Restorative Justice and restorative practice for a decade, including working within the Criminal Justice System, in education, and in workplaces.