THE Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner has backed plans to give all victims of crime a chance to meet the perpetrator.

A report by the House of Commons Justice Committee highlighted the benefits of restorative justice for victims.

It also described how offenders would be less likely to commit another crime.

PCC Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley said: “Restorative Justice can significantly help victims cope and recover with the impact of the crime and I welcome the committee’s recommendation on victims having access to restorative justice.

“The service I commissioned, which is available across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, gives all victims the opportunity to communicate with their offender and address the harm caused.”

The report looked at appropriateness of restoration justice for severe cases such as sexual and domestic violence.

Funding is available to police and commissioners across the county, however the report noted a “postcode lottery” for victims remains.

The scheme has so far provided information to 400 victims, and more than 70 have taken up the service.

Chair of the Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service Advisory Group, Ray Fishbourne said: “The committee’s findings and recommendations reflect much of the evidence we submitted.

“We are pleased to see the recommendation to support in principle all victims having to right to access restorative justice.

“This is a sign that victims’ needs are becoming central to criminal justice. In our experience, many victims find it is of great benefit to them, and we believe that all victims should have the right to ask for restorative justice at any stage of the criminal justice process.”