The information provided includes: 

What is restorative justice?  discusses the values and procedures of restorative justice processes, the intended objectives, where and when the mediation services can be pursued, and to whom a victim can turn for guidance in initiating such a process.   

Frequently Ask Questions  answers questions like 

• What is meant by the term "restorative justice"?

• How does that make restorative justice different from the usual way justice is done?

• Why would this be a better way than simply punishing the offender?

• Isn't there a possibility that offenders would use restorative justice to reduce their sentence?

The website also gives information on NSW legislation on Victims’ Rights - specifically the Victims Rights Act, 1996 - and on the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 that established the Victims Register.  The Register affords a victim the opportunity to officially record his or her interests in a particular criminal case so as to qualify for certain notifications by the Department of Corrective Service on the status of the offender. To aid interested parties, a Victims Register Application Form can be downloaded.

Susan Sheldon

October  2002