About our service
Our restorative justice service works with victims and offenders who have been sent to our team through the Christchurch Court. The restorative justice process is completely voluntary and is also highly personal and confidential.
Trained facilitators work in pairs to run the meeting where the victim and the offender can talk about the offence and the issues around it. If you are a victim you get a chance to talk about how you have been affected by the offence and have a say in how the harm can be repaired. If you are a defendant you have a chance to accept responsibility for what you have done and can offer to try to “restore” or put things right for the victim.
The aim is for both the victim and defendant to come to an agreement about a way forward. Sometimes this includes an agreement on a plan for how the defendant can put things right.
Restorative Justice puts people back into the centre of the process and it is the choice of everyone involved in the process, victim, offender, whānau, supporters, and community members if they wish to participate or not.
Each and every circumstance is particular to that individual, if you feel as a victim or offender that it is something you would like to do, and are ready to do, then participate, if you feel that you do not wish to participate, then don't. It is important that you exercise your choice and what you want to do for you.
Declining an opportunity for a restorative justice conference is fine, you just may not be ready at that time, you may or may not be ready at a later date, again, that is for you to decide. Never feel pressured, or coerced into attending a conference.
It is a personal choice that only you can make and you need to be comfortable with your decision.
How to access our service
If you would like to find out more or become a volunteer panelist, please contact the Restorative Justice North Canterbury Coordinator on:
P| 03 310 7454 or E| rjnc@wellbeingnc.org.nz
