Sarah Williams is a powerful advocate for the benefits of Restorative Justice. She provides the link between victims of crime and the offenders who want to make amends for their offending behaviour.
She says: “Restorative Justice provides the victims with a voice and gives them back a sense of control, while at the same time putting the onus on the offender to confront the effects of their behaviour.”
“As children we are expected to say sorry if we hurt someone, but as adults there is no expectation to be held to account for our behaviour. I love the ethos of RJ; the way it empowers people. It’s something I really believe in. I get great satisfaction knowing that we are giving victims the chance to have their voices heard.”
At any given time Sarah can be working on a number of different cases. Some complex cases can take several months to reach the point where both parties are in the right place to be able to meet.
Sarah’s first case was a powerful meeting between Elli, a 12-year-old schoolgirl who came face to face with the man who burgled her grandmother, Pam’s house.
Sarah explains: “Elli was upset and angry after the break-in, which had left her and her grandmother feeling unsafe in their own homes. She was keen to meet the offender in person and tell him how she felt. After a lot of preparation, I escorted Elli and her grandmother to prison to meet the offender. She asked him why he had done what he did and he was able to answer her questions. She later gave him a card which read ‘Batman or Joker. It’s your choice.’
“It was a brave and mature gesture and something that moved him greatly. Something quite powerful happens when victims and offenders come together. The impact for both sides is huge.”
Sarah Williams - Restorative Justice Trainer and Facilitator