Victims satisfied with restorative justice
A new survey shows the vast majority of victims of crime who take part in restorative justice conferences appear to be satisfied with the process.
Restorative justice conferences are face-to-face meetings where victims can tell offenders how the crime affected them, and where offenders can take personal responsibility for their actions.
Provider and Community Services General Manager Warren Fraser says the 2016 Victim Satisfaction Survey showed 84% of victims surveyed were satisfied with the restorative justice conference they took part in, up from 82% in 2011. He says the survey also found that 81% would likely recommend restorative justice to others in similar circumstances.
‘When coupled with the results from last year’s reoffending study, the survey shows restorative justice is working for both victims and offenders by reducing reoffending and victimisation’ says Warren.
‘It’s also encouraging that 86% of family violence victims were satisfied with restorative justice. This compares with 77% for victims of other crime,’ says Warren.
The survey also found 80% of respondents were satisfied with their overall experience of the restorative justice process – before, during and after the meeting – with even higher satisfaction among Māori (89%) and Pasifika (96%).
The survey involved interviews with 329 victims who took part in restorative justice processes during 2015.
The survey report is published on the Ministry of Justice website(external link).