Why Me? has been set up as a campaigning organisation to bring about a change in the law so that every victim of crime is offered restorative justice if the offender is willing.
At present there are a good number of projects run by the police, by local authority youth offending teams, by prisons and by independent organisations which offer RJ. Provision, however, is patchy and can be a postcode lottery. Several people who have become victims of crime have reported to us that they’ve had to fight for the opportunity to meet their offender.
We believe that things should not be so difficult. Because of its effectiveness (see our facts and figures section) RJ should be rolled out on a national scale and should be readily available to anyone who wants it. Our partner organisation, The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has worked hard to formulate a register of practioners and to regulate training and qualifications in the field. Much work has already been done to put systems in place. Now all that’s needed is a final push and a show of commitment by the Government and those who work within the criminal Justice system and beyond.
Why Me? campaigns and lobbies inside and outside parliament, with legal professionals, with the police, with local authorities, with other victims’ groups and through the national and local media.
We would like to hear your thoughts and feedback on this. Please do get in touch with us.