Join Why me? on the 25th of November for a discussion on the use of Restorative Justice for cases of domestic and sexual abuse. The event is an opportunity for professionals in the criminal justice sector to discuss the benefits of using restorative interventions in these cases, and how the risks involved can be appropriately managed.

On October 1st, Why me? published our report: ‘Using restorative approaches for domestic and sexual abuse: A personal choice’. This report considers academic research, the testimony of Why me? ambassadors, and existing good practice to unpick the benefits, risks and best practice for using restorative approaches in cases of domestic and sexual abuse.

The experiences of survivors like our ambassadors Janika, Lucy, Teresa, Wendy and Rosalyn demonstrate the potential of Restorative Justice to transform the recovery process. In a world where survivors are so often silenced, doubted and retraumatized, Restorative Justice can make them feel empowered, listened to and able to move forward.

But using Restorative Justice in such cases shouldn’t be taken lightly. The risks to the physical and emotional safety of participants need to be considered and managed by restorative facilitators alongside specialists in sexual and domestic abuse. Many restorative services do not currently have the specific expertise needed to handle these cases.

This event will share the findings of our report and discuss how Restorative Justice can best be used in cases of domestic or sexual abuse.

By attending you will get:

• To learn about and discuss the benefits of using Restorative Justice for cases of domestic and sexual abuse.

• To learn about and discuss how the risks of working restoratively in these cases can be appreciated and managed.

• To hear best practice about offering and delivering Restorative Justice with survivors and perpetrators of domestic or sexual abuse.

• To hear from people with first hand experience of these crimes and how Restorative Justice helped their recovery.

• To take part in a conversation with the sector about how we can better support survivors.

Who should attend:

• People working for Restorative Justice providers, including Youth Offending Teams. 

• Staff and volunteers working with victims of crime and people who have offended, including victim support workers, police officers, community offender managers, prisoner offender managers, victim liaison officers, witness care officers and case managers.

• Professionals working in sexual and domestic abuse organisations and support services.

• Professionals working in criminal justice policy.

• Police and Crime Commissioners and their staff.

• People with an interest in criminal justice policy and reform.

If you cancel your place 14 days or more before the event, we will offer a full refund. Between 14 days and 2 days before the event, we will offer a 50% refund and within 2 days there will be no refunds.