Yesterday the Why me? team were in the office, enjoying the beginnings of spring and celebrating team birthdays! 🌻
06.03.2026 17:01
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Yesterday the Why me? team were in the office, enjoying the beginnings of spring and celebrating team birthdays! 🌻
What do victims of crime need? What rights should they be entitled to? How and when should they be given information about RJ?
We are gathering the views of the restorative sector to inform the MoJ's consultation on the Victims' Code. Join us: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/whyme/2085360
What's a Restorative Justice conference? A meeting between someone harmed by crime, the perpetrator, facilitators and supporters. They sit in a circle to discuss the crime's impact. It can end in an agreement on how to move forward.
See how it works https://ow.ly/scWJ50YoYBC
Have you seen this Telegraph article featuring our Ambassador, Nick Dawson, sharing the story of how he met the man who murdered his identical twin brother, Simon? Nick's story is a testament to how transformative Restorative Justice can be. https://ow.ly/Mgvz50YpJ9v
The Home Secretary have announced that police will no longer be required to record or investigate non-crime hate incidents. At Why me?, we are concerned about the impact this will have on access to RJ: https://why-me.org/2026/the-end-of-hate-incidents-and-the-risk-to-restorative-justice/
Many people know that Restorative Justice is a dialogue between someone who caused harm & the person they harmed. But do you know how it works in practice?
Restorative Justice often requires a long preparation process to ensure that everyone is safe and only after a thorough risk assessment.
Last week, we delivered our new 3 day RJ training course. It was lively and thought provoking, focusing on the values behind restorative work. We were delighted to be joined for a session by our Ambassador Paul Kohler MP, who shared insights from his journey through RJ after a serious crime.
The Government recently announced their consultation on the Victims' Code. Why me? will be gathering the views of the RJ sector on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. Don't miss your chance to help shape the future of victims' rights: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/whyme/2085360
Unless Restorative Justice becomes widely available, replacing a punitive approach with a focus on rehabilitation, the Criminal Justice System will not escape this spiral into overcrowding and perpetual harm to everyone involved.
Have you read the EFRJ's magazine on 'Restorative Justice & Human Rights'? We have now received our print copies in the post! Featuring testimony from our Ambassadors, the magazine features thought-provoking content on what this human right could look like.
https://ow.ly/CK7g50Yl5r1
Restorative Justice builds community. It helps the voices of everyone affected by crime to be heard and to find a resolution.
"I hugged him and said, 'I'm sorry you're the one who has to live with this'... I was able to understand it from all angles."
Danielle O'Halloran met the young man who killed her 17-year-old daughter, Chloe, in a Restorative Justice meeting. Read more: https://ow.ly/p4Xt50YmYlf
Gisèle Pelicot, the survivor at the centre of France's biggest rape trial, was asked whether she would ever see her husband again. Gisèle said “I hope to do so, that’s also part of my way of rebuilding myself.”
https://why-me.org/2026/gisele-pelicot-i-need-to-go-and-see-him-to-get-answers/
Why me? believes that victims should be at the heart of the justice system.
But at the moment, they’re not.
How can we widen access to Restorative Justice and help victims of crime to get their voices heard?
The restorative sector is approaching a time of change. From the launch of the Victims' Code Consultation and the end of PCCs, the landscape could shift over the coming years. In light of this we're sharing our Valuing Victims report: https://why-me.org/2026/valuing-victims-through-a-time-of-change/
We all want there to be less crime in our local areas. But many people who have committed crimes become trapped in a cycle of criminal activity.
Restorative Justice can help to break this cycle and reduce reoffending, making our communities safer.
A PhD research project at the University of Sussex is inviting survivors of sexual violence to share their experiences of justice through one-to-one interviews or arts-based group workshops. To hear more contact Abigail Richards at ar881@sussex.ac.uk.
Last week our Comms Manager, Keeva, visited the British Library to drop off the collection of stories we have recorded for our 'Damage and Repair' project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. These interviews will form a collection for decades to come: https://why-me.org/damageandrepair
Today marks the beginning of our 3-day Facilitation training, taking a value-led approach to Restorative Justice training, co-designed and led with people who have been through the process themselves. Thank you to our wonderful Trustee and trainer Tim Chapman. Bring on day 2 and 3!
Your support means the world to us. Every donation, big or small makes a huge difference to our cause. Plus, by donating through JustGiving you can also choose to add Gift Aid to your donation, adding an extra 25% at no extra cost to you!
https://ow.ly/8crB50YeoVh
Don't miss The Mint House - Oxford Centre for Restorative Practice's event on 'Diversifying the restorative sector' THIS WEDNESDAY - a space to think about race, representation, language & power. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diversifying-the-restorative-sector-tickets-1982269885589
Psychologists know that relationships strengthen through rupture and repair. When a crime is committed, community bonds are ruptured. Restorative Justice is an effective way to begin to repair these, and 85% of participants are satisfied with the result.
Now we are two months into 2026, how are you reflecting on the beginning of the year? Take a look back at our blog on setting your intentions and starting the year restoratively and remember, it's never too late to start!
https://why-me.org/2026/using-reflection-to-set-our-intentions-for-2026/
At Why me?, we see the potential benefits of Restorative Justice not only when there has been a criminal offence, but also where people have experienced discrimination or mistreatment of any kind.
"At a time when only one in 10 victims trusts the criminal justice system, restorative justice achieves 85% victim satisfaction, reduces reoffending by up to 27% and saves £14 for every £1 invested. Despite these incredible impacts, access to restorative justice is poor"
https://ow.ly/HQ1z50YgFvo
We all know that victims of crime need support to heal and move on. But many are not made aware of all of the options available to them. Restorative Justice has the power to transform the lives of people affected by crime. And we believe everyone should be made aware of it.
Our friends over at Transform Justice have released a new episode of their podcast on the topic of Restorative Justice, featuring our Ambassador, Paul Kohler, and former Director, Lucy Jaffé. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/03LQKn53JnrRCZZFn1kTi6
Got questions about Restorative Justice? Why not check out our FAQs.
https://why-me.org/what-is-restorative-justice/faqs/
In case you missed it, we are postponing our complex and sensitive training course that was due to take place across Feb & March.
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about new dates & other training: https://ow.ly/1H9v50YgWMY
Punch, the play about RJ, is returning for a UK tour. It will now be running at Nottingham Playhouse (13 March - 4 April), Leeds Playhouse (7 - 11 April) and Theatre Royal Plymouth (14 - 18 April). Don't miss it!