AS PART of Restorative Justice (RJ) week, (November 20-27), coordinators from Avon and Somerset Police will be visiting Somerset to tell people more about the concept.

Raising awareness of RJ is one of Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens' vital roles in supporting victims to find their voice.

Restorative justice is the process of bringing victims and offenders together, where appropriate, to tell one another their account of an incident.

It not only aims to help put the victim back in control but also presents the offender with the consequences of their actions.

Throughout the week, Avon and Somerset's RJ coordinators will be out and about across Somerset, hosting briefing sessions with partners and speaking to residents.

You can catch the team during the day at any of the following locations:

  • Monday, November 21 - University of West of England and Weston Town Hall
  • Tuesday, November 22 - Citizen Service Point Temple Street Bristol, Bath and Morrison’s in Taunton
  • Wednesday, November 23 - Sainsbury's Emerson's Green and Yeovil Bandstand Town Centre
  • Thursday, November 24 - Minehead Customer Contact Centre and Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater
  • Friday, November 25 - 'Cop Shop' Galleries Shopping Centre Bristol, Cribbs Causeway Shopping Centre and Clark’s Village in Somerset

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “In my first term I had a clear ambition to put victims at the heart of everything we do, as well as making sure the voice of the victim is heard in the criminal justice service.

"We know awareness of RJ is low and we still have a long way to go but I am encouraged that we are moving in the right direction.

“Now in my second term as PCC, I have broadened my priorities in order to take a more holistic approach to preventing crime, enforcing the law and supporting victims.

"We know RJ has a positive impact on victims, with 85 per cent feeling satisfied after taking part and it reduces reoffending, so I’m keen to see an increase in its take up.”

In Avon and Somerset, restorative justice is available to all victims of crime and can be arranged by one of the RJ coordinators, who are located in the three hubs including one in Bridgwater.

Stephanie Todd, restorative justice coordinator at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Restorative Justice Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the restorative work that we do.

"We believe all victims have the right to know about restorative justice and how to access the service.

"We offer victims of crime and anti-social behaviour the opportunity to communicate with their offender in a safe and controlled environment to discuss what happened, the impact and how to move forward positively.

“This year we are embracing Restorative Justice Week by engaging with the citizens of Avon and Somerset to raise awareness of this service.

"We look forward to speaking to as many people as possible and raising interest and discussion around restorative justice.”

During the week the RJ coordinators will also be hosting sessions with different departments within the Constabulary as well as with probation and other partners. 

You can also keep up-to-date with activity by following @RJCoordinators on Twitter.

Since April 1, 2015, across Avon and Somerset, over 200 victims have communicated with their offender.

Of that, 62 per cent were face-to-face conferences and since the end of 2015 there has been a five per cent increase in restorative interventions.