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Restore DiverCity delivers a voice for victims of hate crime; it educates offenders to bring about long-term behavioural change and is a proven, effective alternative to the criminal justice system.
Restore DiverCity allows victims of hate crime to discuss the real-life impact of their crimes with the offenders.
They can participate in person, have their message recorded and delivered by us, or be represented by a volunteer from the community.
The programme is delivered by trained facilitators of the Sussex Restorative Justice Partnership who, after the initial discussion, talk to the offender about what hate crime is, the criminal justice response, penalties in law and victim impact.
Victims of hate crime often do not wish to fully engage with the criminal justice process, for a variety of reasons. They may fear further victimisation, or are concerned by the time it can take.
However, they do often want to educate perpetrators about the harm their behaviour has caused and the reality of being a member of a minority community. This can then prevent other people becoming victims.
Restore DiverCity facilitates that conversation.
Restore DiverCity may be suitable when a victim doesn’t wish to go to court and the offender has taken responsibility for their actions.
It is based on the principles of restorative justice which seek to use education and engagement to bring about genuine behavioural change and divert offenders away from the criminal justice system.
A police officer of the rank of Sergeant or above can authorise a restorative justice approach, as part of a community resolution. In this case, the community resolution will have a condition to participate in Restore DiverCity.
Engaging with the Restore DiverCity programme has seen a 91% reduction in offending and 100% reduction in hate-motivated offences for those who have taken part.
“The buzz I felt after engaging with the [restorative justice] process allowed me to bring that positivity back to my family at the end of the day.”
“I understand the law better, I know how to behave better, and I have learnt things.”