Why me? Transforming lives through Restorative Justice

The work of small charities can make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by crime. With limited resources, we aim to make a big impact and we rely on the support of our network to do it.

With just 4 days to go until our campaign, think about how small charities have impacted you and your work. Get ready to make some noise and amplify the amazing work of all of the small charities in our sector.

The traditional justice system retraumatises survivors of domestic and sexual violence, subjecting them to long delays, gruelling cross examinations and low conviction rates. On top of this, low reporting rates show a lack of trust in the system and the stigma that survivors face that discourage them from coming forward.

So what can be done? And how can Restorative Justice play a part?

Read more:

A safe way to deliver Restorative Justice for domestic and sexual violence - Why Me? This is a blog by our Communications and Campaigns Manager, Keeva Baxter.   When the Labour Government came into power in 2024, they pledged to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. This ambitious but necessary commitment is going to be a challenge for them to achieve if serious chang...

Restorative Justice can transform the recovery of victims of crime, and enable perpetrators to appreciate the harm they have caused and change their behaviour. But not enough people affected by crime have the opportunity to consider Restorative Justice.

When the Labour Government came into power in 2024, they pledged to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. This ambitious but necessary commitment is going to be a challenge to achieve unless serious changes are made to current strategies of tackling domestic and sexual violence. Many survivors tell us that the trauma they face as a result of the crime is aggravated by the trauma caused by their experience of the justice process. It is crucial that, in the absence of significant justice reform, survivors are given a way to repair some of the harm they have experienced, and take back control of their healing and recovery.

In this blog, we explore the use of Restorative Justice to address the harm caused by domestic and sexual violence, and share insights from recent meetings we have had with organisations from around the world delivering this work: https://why-me.org/a-safe-way-to-deliver-restorative-justice-for-domestic-and-sexual-violence/

Can I communicate with the person who harmed me without meeting them?

✅ Yes, restorative processes can be flexible to the needs of the people taking part. You can communicate through letters, videos or a shuttle.

From this time next week, all donations that we receive will be DOUBLED as part of our campaign with Big Give. If you appreciate the work of Why me? and want to support a small charity, please donate next week to make a real difference to our work.

We envision a world where individuals and communities can reach their full potential. We envision a smarter justice system which rebuilds lives and saves money.

Why me? are delighted to announce that we have been selected to take part in the Big Give's Small Charity Week Campaign. This means that all donations that we receive during Small Charity Week will be DOUBLED. As a small charity, this makes a big difference to our work, allowing us to deliver more high impact work with limited resources. More details on how you can support us will be coming soon...

Many people who have been affected by crime feel trapped in a cycle of trauma that they are unable to escape from. Restorative Justice has the power to change this.

The Butler Trust Awards are an opportunity to recognise the in the criminal justice system across the UK. Each year, the awards are presented at a ceremony by the Trust's Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne.

The awards are now open for nominations and are open to everyone working in UK prisons, probation, youth justice, and immigration detention – staff members, third-party employees and volunteers. They are for people, not projects – the Hidden Heroes among Hidden Heroes.

If you have someone in mind, working in the restorative sector or beyond, make sure you nominate them before the end of June:

Awards - Butler Trust Our annual awards recognise outstanding individuals working in UK prisons, probation and youth justice