A research by Interventions Alliance on Evidence-Led solutions to build better futures and wellbeing mentions that those who willingly engage in Restorative Justice (RJ) do so for a range of reasons. For victims, these reasons seem to be linked with various questions that need answering in relation to the crime committed against them. Without answers to these questions, they may feel trapped and struggle to move forward with their lives. They may also wish to convey their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and dispositions in relation to the individual perpetrator of the offence. Some are motivated in part by an expectation that the perpetrator should accept the consequences of their actions.

There are multiple outcomes and impacts of RJ on both victims and perpetrators. Most victims are glad that they undertook the process, however emotionally depleting it may be. Both parties need support from RJ mediators to progress through the intervention. RJ seems effective across a range of offence types.

In conclusion, most victims and perpetrators within this study conveyed positive regard towards the process of RJ in procedural terms. However RJ is not appropriate for everyone and indeed poses challenges for a small minority of individuals, be they victim or perpetrator.

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