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Restorative approaches give victims a voice by bringing together both sides of a conflict to discuss the harm and effect on all involved and we have trained 10 volunteers to act as facilitators in this process. The first restorative meeting facilitated by volunteers took place earlier this week involving two neighbours.
The problems have stemmed from visitors to the harmers home and his inability/unwillingness to either control their behaviour or to refuse them access to his home. This was impacting on the quality of life of his neighbour and was a major threat to his tenancy with legal proceedings pending. The meeting was attended by both parties and their supporters and held at Healthworks in Easington, a location close to their community and a place both parties felt were comfortable and appropriate. All parties took the opportunity to express their feelings and the affect the incident have had on their lives.
Positive feedback from all parties as follows:
Harmed: “The meeting went well as they all talked through the concerns, she heard the harmer admit his behaviour and received an apology.
Harmer: “ Without a doubt it was the best thing I have done, attending the joint meeting made me change my perspective of the victim after hearing her side of the story and how my behaviour and my visitors were making her feel, it was better than I expected”
Harmer’s supporter: “It was a total eye opener and very beneficial, there was a sudden realisation of the situation form the victims perspective and I feel very humbled to of been part of the process. She also heard from the victim’s partner (supporting her at the meeting) who stated the last thing they wanted was for the perpetrator to lose his home”.
This is an excellent example of the benefits of this approach and we hope to be giving you more updates on a regular basis as the volunteers handle further referrals. If you would like any more information about how we’re giving victims a voice using restorative approaches please contact Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team
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