Gemma Fraser

Restorative justice aims to bring together both sides of crime, harm or conflict to help victims move on while seeing perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.

Some studies have shown it reduces the fear of further victimisation and symptoms of post-traumatic stress in victims, while several studies have also found evidence of a positive impact on reducing re-offending.

A new restorative justice action plan, backed by £300,000 of new investment, outlines steps to map existing provision, provide training and increase both public awareness, and the availability and consistency of services across Scotland by 2023.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are committed to developing a smarter justice system, with the needs of victims at its heart.  Developing a restorative justice system will support those victims who choose this route, where appropriate alongside the criminal justice process, to move past traumatic harm.  It can also make those who have caused harm better understand the impact of their actions, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood of more harm.

“We will ensure the voices of victims are heard as we deliver the actions, working collaboratively with experts from the public and third sectors to help shape it.”

Gemma Fraser, improvement lead for Community Justice Scotland who helped develop the action plan, said: “Everyone harmed by crime in Scotland has a right to experience justice in a meaningful way – however, the system can often make victims of crime feel both voiceless and powerless over what has happened to them.

“Restorative justice allows victims to express the impact that harm has had on them, their family and community. Those who have offended are faced with the reality of this and asked to account for their actions and to payback in a significant way.”

Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “We believe that Scotland’s Restorative Justice system must be voluntary, and have the wellbeing and protection of victims and witnesses of crime at its forefront. We are pleased that the action plan recognises this. When used effectively, restorative justice has the potential to support some victims through their recovery journey.”

Joanna Shapland of the University of Sheffield, who chairs the Restorative Justice Forum, said: “This plan will help enable the good practice guidance issued by the Scottish government to become reality, such that those who have been harmed and those who have harmed can access high quality restorative justice.

“Restorative justice has been shown internationally to produce significant benefits and the plan sets out clear steps towards its further implementation in Scotland. We have worked closely with the Scottish government on both the guidance and the action plan and look forward to seeing these new developments come into being.”