Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she plans to extend the use of restorative justice measures for victims in domestic violence cases.
Tackling domestic violence and abuse is a key priority for this Government and we are clear that adult perpetrators of domestic abuse should, wherever possible be prosecuted. Similarly, we are clear that, so called level one street restorative justice, delivered by police as an alternative to prosecution, is not appropriate in these cases.
However, there can be a place for restorative justice in domestic abuse cases alongside prosecution. This is with the strict caveat that it will be carried out with effective and ongoing risk assessment and safeguarding in place and led by experienced and skilled practitioners. In this way restorative justice can help some victims cope and recover.
As my Right Honourable and Learned Friend for North Hertfordshire stated at the recent Westminster Hall Debate on Restorative Justice, we are committed to working with interested parties to produce a paper on the use of restorative justice services for victims in domestic abuse cases.