The psychological effects of burglary are present in at least 60% of victims who report feelings of anger, shock, worry and fear. If you have been a victim of a burglary, you may have questions about the incident.
‘Why me?’
‘Were they watching me?’
‘Am I safe?’
‘What did they do with my personal items?’
‘Do I know the offender?’
‘What happens now?’
Restorative Justice is a process that enables you to enter into communication with the offender to explain the real impact the crime has had on you and others close to you, ask questions about the offence and have a say in how the harm might be repaired.
For offenders, the process of Restorative Justice, can be incredibly profound as it confronts them with the personal impact of their crime, enabling them to accept responsibility for the harm they have caused and to consider what might need to happen to repair the harm.
Finding ways to repair the harm caused does not mean the harm never existed, it may help you to find a way forward where the harm is no longer overwhelming. Restorative Justice can help to:
- reduce feelings of anxiety and post-traumatic stress
- improve your health and wellbeing
- contribute to a sense of closure
- empower you by giving you a voice
Restorative Justice is accessible to anyone living in London who has reported a crime to the Police. The process is voluntary and the facilitators will work with you to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
You can find out more about Restorative Justice and how it can help following a break-in by reading about the experiences of burglary victims, Ed and Rumbie, on the RJC website.
If you are interested in exploring how Restorative Justice can help you to move forward from your experience of crime, please call us on Freephone 0300 102 3031.