What are the statistics that show that RJ works?
- Research commissioned by the UK Government, which was undertaken between 2004 and 2008 by a team headed by Professor Joanna Shapland at the University of Sheffield, showed that 77% of victims offered an RJ session took the opportunity. Offender participation rates were similarly high.
- Another research project, led by criminologists Professor Lawrence Sherman and Dr Heather Strang found that 27% fewer crimes were committed by offenders after they’d taken part in an RJ conference than those offenders who did not.
- 33% of offenders leaving prison are less likely to reoffend after RJ.
- 55% of those who have had non-custodial punishments are less likely to reoffend after RJ.
- The Government trials showed that 85% of victims were satisfied with the process and 72% would recommend it to others.
- The trials showed that through bringing about reductions in reoffending , RJ saved the Criminal Justice System nine times what it cost to deliver. In other words, for every £100 of tax payers’ money spent on setting up RJ sessions, £800 is saved on court time, legal representation, prison costs and rehabilitation on a subsequent offence committed by the offender who took part.
- Ministry of Justice figures show that 49% of adults released from prison are reconvicted within a year. 72% of under 18s released from custody in 2008 reoffended within a year.
- According to the National Audit Office, reoffending by ex-prisoners cost the economy over £9.5 billion between the years 2007 and 2008.