Sentencing Act 2026

We promise that all information you provide to us ‐ verbally or in writing ‐ will be kept confidential within the Victim Care and Advice Service.

This information will not be shared externally unless you expressly instruct us to do so or unless we are required to under law. We will take our time to establish the best way to communicate with you; for example, which email address, phone number or other contact method you want us to use.

We will take any other steps that you need us to take to protect your privacy.

We promise that all information you provide to us ‐ verbally or in writing ‐ will be kept confidential within the Victim Care and Advice Service. This information will not be shared externally unless you expressly instruct us to do so or unless we are required to under law.

We will take our time to establish the best way to communicate with you; for example, which email address, phone number or other contact method you want us to use. We will take any other steps that you need us to take to protect your privacy.

The court may be able to take extra steps to protect you if you:

• are under 18
• have a mental or physical disability
• are afraid to give evidence
• are likely to go through suffering in giving evidence, because the nature of the crime or case is extremely distressing.
• are a victim of a sexual offence
• have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being harassed or stalked
• are a victim of other serious crimes, such as domestic violence or attempted murder

Not if you don’t want to. We will be led by you and what you are comfortable with. Communication can take a number of forms from letter writing to virtual meetings to face to face conferences.

You may be required to go to court, we can help you if you are required to do so.

RJ is your opportunity to meet or communicate with the person that has harmed you and explain the full impact of the crime allowing your voice to be heard. The harmer will be held to account and encouraged to take responsibility and/or make amends.

Under certain circumstances you have a right to review that decision, we can help you with this if that is what you would like to do.

If the offender does not accept responsibility or refuses to participate, then restorative justice cannot take place.

Yes, you can still receive support if you live in County Durham or Darlington.

There is no time limit, you can ask for our support at anytime.

Yes, arrangements can be made to meet with you at another safe location.

Yes, you can have someone with you if that is what you require.

We support all ages

RJ will ordinarily take place over a number of weeks so that your practitioner(s) have the opportunity to meet with both parties a number of times to ensure you are well prepared for the process and all safeguarding needs have been met.

This is different for each and every investigation and can sometimes take in excess of 12 months, the Victim Care and Mentor Service can provide you with support throughout the entire Criminal Justice process, from your report of the crime to the police, to court and beyond if that is required.

We can provide you with advice about making a complaint

Making a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) gives you a voice in the criminal justice process. The VPS lets you explain in your own words how a crime has affected you physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way.

Making a VPS is your choice. You do not have to make one if you do not want to but if you do choose to make a VPS, it can be written or recorded.

If you need help in preparing a VPS then we can help with that.

The Victim Care and Advice Service is not a counselling service however following our needs assessment with you, if counselling is required then we can arrange for you to be referred to a counselling service.

No. RJ is entirely voluntary for both victim and offender and either party may discontinue with the process at any time.

Getting a witness warning means you will have to go to court on the day of the trial and give evidence if you're asked to. We are here to offer advice; support and help with any concerns you may have about giving evidence.

Does it work? Government research shows that 85% of victims who take part find the process helpful. For many meeting the offender can be an important step in moving forward. Research also shows that RJ reduces reoffending by 14%. (Restorative Justice Council website)

We can provide advice with regard to housing issues and where required can advocate on your behalf with housing providers.

RJ can potentially be used for any type of crime. However, there are certain offences which can pose challenges for the restorative process, for example sexual offences, hate crime and domestic violence.

In these cases, the process will require much more thorough risk assessment and may take longer to complete.

A visit to the court beforehand is recommended. The Witness Service will show you around the court and will do this before the trial date. We can make a referral for you to the Witness Service if this is something you require

Yes, you can take someone with you on the day for support.

You can attend, although initial hearings are very short hearings and are when the Magistrates decide if the case will remain at the Magistrates Court or if it will be sent to the Crown Court.

RJ can take place at any stage of the criminal justice process including after conviction, as long as the offender has accepted responsibility (i.e. pleaded guilty) and can also form part of sentencing, especially with children and young people.

If you have been a victim of a violent offence, you may be eligible for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

To find out more, visit: www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury or call CICA on 0800 0149757.

If you need assistance with making a claim then we can help you with that free of any charge

If you do decide to report to the police then there is a government document called the ‘Victims Code’ which details the support and information you should get from criminal justice agencies. These are organisations such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.

No, agreements made during RJ are not legally binding but, in some cases, reports may be submitted to the Police/courts/probation detailing the engagement of both parties and any agreements made during the process.

We can make arrangements to support you at a time that is convenient to you.

There is no cost, the service is free and confidential

You are not legally bound to report your crime to the police however, investigating crimes, catching criminals and protecting the community is the police’s main job, but they also help victims and witnesses of crime.

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Even if you do not report a crime as the victim, someone who saw what happened might do, so it’s likely that you will have to talk to police after a crime.

Yes, you can still receive our support

We promise that all information you provide to us ‐ verbally or in writing ‐ will be kept confidential within the Victim Care and Advice Service.

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This information will not be shared externally unless you expressly instruct us to do so or unless we are required to under law.

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We will take our time to establish the best way to communicate with you; for example, which email address, phone number or other contact method you want us to use. We will take any other steps that you need us to take to protect your privacy.