Justice schemes must work harder on victim link
More effort must be made to ensure restorative justice programmes in Scotland bring victims and offenders together, according to a new report.
In the most extensive study to date of services in Scotland, researchers found restorative justice is increasingly seen as a highly effective tool in cutting reoffending and reassuring victims.
But just half of the 1,420 youth cases evaluated actually involved communication between victims and perpetrators.
The study showed that in 37% of cases victims were unwilling to take part, while 34% could not be contacted.
However, of those who did take part, more than 90% were happy with the experience. Some 40% said restorative justice made them feel safer and 80% felt better about the young person responsible.
The Viewpoint Organisation, which carried out the Scottish Government-funded study in cooperation with community justice charity Sacro, said victims ‘clearly liked the constructive nature of the processes involving direct communication, giving them a sense of closure’.
Its report added: ‘Responses from both persons responsible and persons harmed reported the benefits of participating in restorative justice processes featuring direct communication.
‘Where direct communication processes are not in place, more attention needs to be paid to ensuring persons harmed are informed about outcomes and the participation of the person responsible in action plans.’
Restorative justice has also proved effective in changing attitudes among offenders. Around 90% said it made them want to change their behaviour and three-quarters thought they would not reoffend.
Local authorities who fund or refer young people to the services were also positive:
‘Overall, most said restorative justice processes represented “good” or “excellent” value for money in provision of alternative diversionary disposals, provision of services to victims, improving offenders’ attitudes to offending, creating safer communities and increasing public confidence in the youth justice system.’
However, most said services were given a moderate or low priority in terms of funding and most were uncertain about whether they would continue to be funded because of increasing pressures on public spending.
‘It confirms findings from international research which have been overwhelmingly positive about the value of this method of dealing with crime as a means of addressing the harm caused to victims and reducing risks of reoffending,’ said Keith Simpson, Sacro’s head of development and research.
‘There are many positive lessons to be learned here in relation to the Scottish Government’s proposals for improved community sentencing.’
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