Information for other participants in the restorative justice process

For friends and family of the person harmed

If a close friend or family member of yours has experienced family violence, you may be invited to participate in a restorative process. Participants are chosen based on the needs of the victim at that particular time, so not everyone will always be invited. Some victims may request a professional support or organisational representative as a participant.

Your participation in a restorative process is voluntary. If you choose to be involved:

• our staff will explain the process, what you can expect from it, and what your role will involve
• you will be supported before, during and after any restorative process about the violence or harm that has occurred
• you can choose to end your involvement at any time.

For those responsible for harm

As the person who has caused harm, you may be asked to participate in a restorative process if the victim makes this request. You will only be asked to participate where it is safe and helpful for the victim. You’ll be treated with respect and supported though the process so you can participate safely. If any issues come up for you, appropriate supports will be made available.

While this process is designed for the victim to meet their goals, it may also offer you the opportunity to:

• give answers or explain what happened and why
• learn more about the impact of what happened to prevent it happening again
• express remorse or apologise
• take responsibility and resolve or reset relationships with others and with yourself
• give back to people around you, reconnect with them and help everyone move forward.

It’s important to remember that the restorative process is focused on acknowledging and addressing the harm that has been done.

To participate, you must be prepared to:

• understand the confidentiality of the discussion and give consent to participating
• acknowledge what happened
• acknowledge responsibility for your behaviour
• listen to the victim and other participants
• express your feelings appropriately
• discuss the harm that has been caused.

Your participation in a restorative conversation is voluntary. If you choose to be involved:

• our staff will explain the process, what you can expect from it, and your rights and responsibilities
• you will be offered support before, during and after any discussion about the family violence and/or other crimes that have occurred
• you can choose to stop at any time.