VICTIMS of crime will be able to have more of a say in how to deal with criminals in a victim-led restorative justice service to be launched next year.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Anthony Stansfeld has invited companies and organisations to bid to run the service, set to start in April 2015.

Restorative justice brings together victims and offenders, who get the chance to apologise and therefore reduce their punishment and avoid having anything on their criminal record.

The new service would also allow restorative justice to happen before any legal proceedings, meaning judges would be able to delay sentences to let the victim’s wishes be heard.

Our top stories

Voluntary organisations and private companies will now put forward ideas on how they would run the scheme, and the best idea will be chosen in the new year.

Mr Stansfeld said: “Supporting those affected by crime is a key priority.

“I am looking to commission a high quality restorative justice service in the Thames Valley which is tailored to the individual needs of the victim.

“Restorative justice gives victims the chance to explain to offenders the real impact of their crime, get answers to their questions and can help victims to move on with their lives. I am convinced that by increasing the opportunities for victims to request and experience restorative justice, we will greatly assist individuals to recover from the experience.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.