Crime victims get funding boost

Mark Burns-Williamson has awarded more than half-a-million pounds from the dedicated Victims Fund to help victims of crime, which will see local authorities and community safety partners develop their work around restorative justice.

“Putting the victims at the heart of everything we do is of paramount importance,” he said.“Being a victim of crime can leave you feeling devastated and wondering why you were targeted, and the offenders do not stop to think about the implications of their actions and very often go on to reoffend.

“This is where Restorative Justice can offer an alternative approach.”

Restorative justice includes where victims of crime engage with offenders through prior agreement with the aim of seeking closure for victims and helping the offender understand the consequence of their actions.

The community safety partnerships across West Yorkshire are statutory local partnerships, established by the Crime and Disorder Act, to co-ordinate action on crime and disorder.

Partners include the police, local authorities, probation service and health authorities.

Calderdale received just over £50,000, which will ensure that the Restorative Justice Hub can continue until March 2017.