If a crime is happening now, call Triple Zero (000). If non-urgent, call Policelink on 131 44.
If an act of crime committed against you has been referred to a restorative justice conference, the police or courts view this approach as the best course of action.
If you choose to participate, you will have the opportunity to engage in a restorative justice conference, facilitated by a trained convenor, where you can:
- meet the young person who committed the offence
- tell their story and how the incident has effected you
- ask questions
- express your concerns
- be involved in the justice process
- contribute to shaping the outcome, including suggesting how the young person should start making up for the harm they have caused.
A convenor will also guide you through:
- what a restorative justice conference is and why we do them
- different ways you can be involved
- the entire restorative justice conference process, including what happens before, during and after the meeting and who is invited to attend.
Most victims who have participated in a restorative justice conference said they would recommend the process to other victims. Read their testimonials.
Benefits for victims attending a conference
Acts of crime can often cause serious harm to victims with long-term effects, including diminished confidence, optimism and sense of safety.
Research shows that restorative justice conferencing can help victims recover from this harm through:
- being involved in the justice process
- having a say about the offence and the outcome
- meeting the offender
- understanding more about the offence committed against them.
The victim's recovery from an offence is also assisted by being able to have support people, including family, friends, community representatives or support services, participate with them.
Involvement from family and supports
Having family members attend the conference can provide a great amount of support for the victim. It is an opportunity for all attendees to explain how this offence has impacted not only the victim, but their family, community and loved ones.
Conferencing provides an opportunity for the families to:
- provide support to their loved one
- be involved in the justice process
- assist the victim through the process
- be involved by guiding the young person towards changing their behaviour.
This restorative justice process allows the significant people in the life of the victim to help manage the response to an offence. The conference seeks to bring people together, strengthen relationships, help people recover from an offence, and provide a timely response.
Disapproval is directed toward the offending behaviour and the goal is to ensure all participants are treated with respect and support. Research has shown that this can reduce offending and help all participants feel safer and more satisfied.
Find supports and service
If you have been the victim of a criminal offence committed by a young person, the following support services may be available:
Lifeline
Phone Lifeline to speak to a crisis supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline online (all services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Victim Connect
Contact Victim Connect on 1300 318 940 or visit the Victim Connect website about your rights and support options. Victim Connect is available to victims of violent (including sexual) crime only.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service
If you Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you can seek advice from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Queensland). Visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service website or call 1800 012 255 if you require assistance or advice.
Queensland Government victims and witnesses of crime website
Read about victims and witnesses of crime for more information about your rights and support services.
Restorative justice conferencing resources
Our Restorative justice conferences: For people and families impacted by crime brochure is available for victims of crime who may participate in a restorative justice conference.
This document provides information about:
- what restorative justice is
- who organises the conference
- who can attend the conference
- what to expect before, during and after the conference
- the rights of the victim
- what will happen if the young person does not attend a conference, reach an agreement, or complete the agreement.
Victim eligible person register – youth crime
As a victim of crime, you may have the right to access information about the young person who committed a crime against you.
Have more questions?
Download our frequently asked questions (PDF, 190KB) or (DOCX, 193KB) to learn more about restorative justice conferences.