Mark Myer, Restorative Justice Coordination Manager with Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “In Devon and Cornwall, we recognise the positive difference that Restorative Justice can make. It gives victims a voice and enables offenders to take accountability for their actions, providing understanding and resolution. We are fortunate to have the backing of both the Chief Constable and PCC in this endeavour, as well as a highly professional and dedicated RJ service in Make Amends.
“Given the significant difference to victims, offenders, and local communities that Restorative Justice can make, we are dedicated to increasing awareness and access to this invaluable service so that more people can benefit from the rights available to them in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Restorative Justice (RJ) has proven time and time again to give victims closure and stop criminals offending again which is why my office funds Make Amends, the only RJ service for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“I look forward to working with the High Sheriff to promote RJ and hearing about more people it has helped. Like the High Sheriff I am hoping those numbers will continue to increase. It is crucial that all victims of crime know that they have a right to access RJ, but are also made aware it is a voluntary rather than compulsory process.”
Each High Sheriff chooses a theme for their year in office. Mark Ansell was inspired to choose Restorative Justice after listening to Amol Rajan’s interview with Jacob Dunne on a BBC podcast. Jacob’s story inspired the play PUNCH. Jacob and the parents of James Hodgkinson, who he killed with a single punch on a night out, are now key campaigners in the field of Restorative Justice. Jacob and James’s father David will be keynote speakers at the summit.
Other lived experience speakers at the summit will include Seth Marks and his mother Julie who live near Tavistock. Seth was left quadriplegic after a car crash. The vehicle was being driven by his friend who’d been drinking and smoking cannabis. After experiencing the impact of Restorative Justice, Seth and Julie now campaign to increase awareness of the process.
Julie said: “Restorative Justice gave me my life back by empowering me to have a voice to be heard and listened to in a very compassionate safe and professional manner. I was able to move on with my life enabling me to say ‘I forgive you’ to the harmer. I needed him to take accountability and responsibility not to say sorry, which he did.
“My desire is that more people have the opportunity I had to recover from such a devastating situation. It offers the chance for people to move on with their lives with some peace, having had their voices heard and questions answered. The outcome from a person having Restorative Justice is far reaching. It has the potential to prevent further impacts from the trauma they have suffered.”
The day will feature workshops focusing on Restorative Justice being applied in specific types of crimes, ranging from domestic abuse and road traffic incidents to serious violence and youth crime.
Source: devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk
