VICTIMS of crime can now directly confront criminals as part of an extended "restorative justice" scheme in the Thames Valley.

Restorative justice provides opportunities for communication between those harmed by crime and those responsible for it, potentially resulting in an indirect or face-to-face discussion between victim and offender.

One anonymous victim who took park in the process said: "Restorative justice has not only given me the tools to resolve a lot of pain, but it gave me the key to a functional life."

The regional service began as a collaboration between Thames Valley Partnership, which co-ordinates crime prevention and social inclusion programmes, probation and victim support agencies.

Becci Seaborne assistant director for restorative justice at the Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service, said the success of the scheme has meant it is being extended to encourage more victims to take up the opportunity.

She added: "Restorative justice has a really robust evidence base, particularly in terms of the outcomes for victims and offenders.

"Reoffending rates go down and victim satisfaction goes up."

But, she stressed restorative justice in no way replaces the criminal justice service and court sentences are not reduced for offenders who take part.

Instead, she said it is designed to address needs that the justice system isn’t designed to deal with, such as letting the victims' voices be heard.

She added: "Victims often really want their voice to be heard.

"They may also have very specific questions like ‘why me’ and ‘will you do it again?'

"The only person who really has the power to answer those questions is the perpetrator.

"The transformation that people can describe after the restorative intervention is really quite powerful and moving."

Restorative justice services in Oxford are also available for non-criminal cases.

Reverend Kat Bracewell, Minister of the New Road Baptist Church, manages The Mint House, a restorative practice centre based in Bonn Square.

People on different sides of a conflict can come to The Mint House to talk about the situation and potentially find a resolution to the problem.

Rev Bracewell said: "It’s very powerful to talk and be honest about our experiences.

"I’ve found that almost anybody who takes part in this process recommends it."

She added: "People often think restorative practice is some kind of easy option or a soft touch.

"People involved in the process often say it’s an extremely challenging experience, but it really works”.

To find out more about conflict resolution with the Mint House, visit minthouseoxford.co.uk.