A NEW website has launched to help victims of crime or anti-social behaviour learn how to deal with what they have suffered.

The new Restorative Hub has been launched by Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg and provides safe and informed opportunities for victims to seek the answers they often require to help them move on.

It provides advice for victims about finding the support that they need, and contains advice for restorative justice facilitators.

It also includes a number of videos in which people who have benefitted from restorative

justice talk about their experiences.

Restorative justice is where the victim comes face to face with the criminal whose actions affected them and Mr Hogg said: “Whilst this is not the right approach in all cases, the restorative process can really help some victims to cope and recover from the impact of the crime.

“Research shows that offenders who have been made aware of the consequences of their actions can be motivated to address their offending behaviour and not to offend again.”

The recently re-elected Mr Hogg is giving very high priority to putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.

He has changed his job title to Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner to reflect that priority.

Residents can access the new Restorative Hub website at www.restorativehub.org.uk.