Essex Restorative Mediation Service celebrates 10 years of helping victims find reparation

A service set up to hold offenders to account and help them to take responsibility for the harm caused is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

The Essex Restorative and Mediation Service launched in April 2015 to compliment the work of organisations such as the police and Victim Support, giving those affected an opportunity to meet or communicate with those who have caused them harm.

Both parties – who volunteer to take part - discuss next steps and the perpetrators can make amends. Victims are given the chance to explain the impact the crime or conflict has had on them, ask questions of the perpetrator and seek an apology.

The service puts a face to the victim and encourages the perpetrator to give deeper thought to what they have done and the impact their actions have had, not just on the victim but also their families.

Having launched with an offering of facilitating meetings between victims and offenders, the service has expanded over the last decade to include mediation and conflict coaching, enabling the team to increase the case intake and diversify the kind of scenarios they handle.

The development means if one party does not want to participate in mediation, the willing party can complete conflict coaching to learn more about conflict management, giving them the tools and skills needed to navigate future conflict.

To mark ten years since the start of the service, a birthday party is to be held in November – during National Restorative Justice Week – where 100 people will come together to hear from guest speakers about the importance of restorative justice and mediation.

Emma Goddard, ERMS manager, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of how far we have come with the Essex Restorative and Mediation Service in the last ten years. Reaching our ten-year milestone has prompted me to reflect on how restorative justice can change lives. People are happier in their homes, crimes haven’t been committed, and victims now sleep at night due to the work our team has done. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that.

“ERMS has fostered a culture of accountability and empathy within Essex. By bringing together victims and offenders in a structured and supportive environment, we've facilitated meaningful dialogues that promote healing and understanding. This approach not only addresses the immediate harm caused by crime, but also works towards long-term community cohesion and resilience.

“Providing a restorative outcome for people in Essex is an essential tool in victim recovery and reducing reoffending in our county. ERMS is also good for the economy, providing a cost-benefit ration of £11.45 for every £1 invested.

“Many victims have found that participating in restorative justice helps them to understand the reasons behind the crime and feel a sense of closure. This process has been instrumental in their healing journey, allowing them to move forward with their lives.

“For perpetrators, ERMS offers a unique opportunity to understand the real impact of their actions. By facing their victims and hearing firsthand about the harm they've caused, many offenders experience genuine remorse and a desire to make amends. This understanding is crucial in reducing reoffending rates, as it encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and commit to positive change. The process has been shown to significantly reduce reoffending rates, contributing to safer communities.

“Our ability to adapt and respond to emerging needs has been crucial in our success, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. As we look to the future, we remain committed to providing high-quality restorative justice and mediation services, supporting individuals and communities in resolving conflicts and fostering positive relationships.”

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst said: “We are so very fortunate in Essex to have a service such as ERMS. What a difference this work has made to residents of our county over the last decade. Not only in making perpetrators stop and consider their behaviour and the consequences of their actions, but also in helping victims to come to terms with their negative experiences and being able to move forwards positively and gain closure.

“Of course, this work also results in a drop in reoffending, reducing crime figures and saving the county money. I look forward to seeing what more ERMS will achieve in the coming months and years.”