"A mother hugged the man who stabbed her son" Surrey's PCC on the restorative justice scheme
Lisa Townsend speaks to us about bringing victims and offenders together to talk about the impact their crime
Imagine facing the person who stabbed your loved one, well one Surrey mum did just that.
The county's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, is telling us how the restorative justice scheme gives victims and criminals a chance to talk about the impact of their offence.
The goal is to help victims find closure by expressing their feelings and seeking answers, while enabling offenders to better understand the real consequences of their actions.
Communication can take place face-to-face, through written letters, recorded audio, or video.
Lisa Townsend oversees Surrey’s Restorative Justice Hub, which facilitates these interactions.
Speaking about the initiative, Townsend said: “For many people, justice is something that happens only in a courtroom.
But we believe it should also be something that gives victims a voice and provides a chance for offenders to truly understand the impact of their criminality.”
"Restorative justice offers a unique approach that does not replace traditional justice systems, but complements them. The scheme is voluntary, and participation requires consent from both victims and offenders."
Lisa Townsend emphasized that restorative justice is victim-centered. “It’s about empathy, responsibility, and hope. By bringing people together in a safe and supported way, we can help victims to move forward and reduce the chances of reoffending in our communities.”
Townsend shared some real-life examples of the impact.
In one case, a mother chose to meet the man responsible for cutting her son's throat.
During their meeting, she felt compelled to hug him.
Restorative justice also has practical benefits for the wider community.
Townsend highlighted its role in reducing reoffending rates, explaining that fewer repeat offenses save taxpayers money while ensuring public safety.