Survivors of sexual violence should be able to meet perpetrators

The ‘restorative justice’ event is open to policymakers, business, the public and young people – Friday 10 November

SURVIVORS of sexual violence should be given options for how they achieve justice in the aftermath of victimisation, since very few seek or achieve justice through the courts, according to new research at the University of Huddersfield.  

Researchers suggests that one potential option might be to allow the survivor and the perpetrator to meet in a safe and supported environment to talk about what happened and how it has affected them and others around them. 

This process of ‘restorative justice’ is relatively new in its application to sexual violence and is deemed controversial in the context of using it outside of the court process.

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Dr Nadia Wager is a Reader in Forensic Psychology and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.  The workshop, entitled Justice in the Aftermath of Sexual Assault, takes place on Friday 10 November as part of the ESRC’s nationwide Festival of Social Science and is aimed at policymakers, business, the public and young people alike.

The theory behind ‘Restorative Justice’, explains Dr Wager, is to help both parties by allowing them to heal, repair the harm and find a positive way forward.

“Victims of crime are increasingly asking for this service,” said Dr Wager, “which means the number of referrals is growing considerably as well as those which fall outside of the criminal justice system.  

“The need to create a set of policy and practice guidelines that can be applied in complex and sensitive cases is now more important than ever, which is what I hope the day will achieve,” she said.

The events will begin with Dr Wager presenting her recent research findings, which will be followed by roundtable discussions and plenary sessions. 

“Whilst the topic is relatively controversial,” says Dr Wager, “there are likely to be strong opinions both in favour and opposition of the use of restorative justice for sexual crimes.”  However, she anticipates that with respectful discussion and debate, a mutually agreed way forward will be forged.

Other ESRC events

In celebration of the Festival, two further events are being supported by the ESRC and hosted by the University.  Dr Leanne Monchuk’s workshop, Cubs Prevent Crime, is fully subscribed and aims to ‘educate, engage and empower’ young people about the importance of implementing basic crime prevention measures in and around their homes. 

Limited tickets remain for Dr Jo Woodwiss’s seminar and discussion event, which will explore LGBT young people and the kinds of support they might need.

This is to be the ESRC’s fifteenth Festival and across the UK between 4-11 November the social sciences will be celebrated via public debates, conferences, workshops, interactive seminars, film screenings and virtual exhibitions.

To reserve places at the University’s Justice in the Aftermath of Sexual Assault event, visit the Eventbrite link.