A RAPE survivor hopes to find empowerment through Restorative Justice by confronting her attacker.

The Merseyside woman, who remains anonymous, aims to regain control over her life by meeting the perpetrator face-to-face.

She shares her story during Restorative Justice Week, an international initiative that reflects on victims' and offenders' journeys to recovery and rehabilitation.

The Restorative Justice service, commissioned by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell and delivered by Restorative Solutions, has been providing victims in Merseyside with the chance to seek answers from their offenders since 2018.

Safe environment

This service provides a safe environment for victims and offenders to share their accounts of incidents.

This aims to help victims regain control and make offenders understand the consequences of their actions, encouraging them to take responsibility and break the cycle of reoffending.

Restorative Justice can be applied to any crime and at any stage of the criminal justice system, including alongside a prison sentence.

It is entirely voluntary and both parties must agree to participate.

The victim in this case self-referred to Restorative Solutions after discussions with her Probation Service Victim Liaison Officer.

She had initially reported a non-recent rape case after discovering the offender had committed the same crime again.

Following court proceedings, the offender was sentenced.

The victim described the devastating impact the crime had on her life and the trauma of encountering the offender several times before reporting him, including a particularly distressing encounter during her pregnancy.

As the offender approaches parole, the victim has expressed a desire to meet him on her terms and engage in a conversation.

She hopes this process will help her reclaim a sense of control and empowerment, lessening her fear of potentially encountering him again.

The offender has expressed his willingness to participate in a face-to-face meeting, demonstrating a readiness to discuss what happened and answer her questions.

He has also committed to respecting the victim’s boundaries and moving away from the area upon his release.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "This is a particularly powerful account of one victim’s journey to recovery.

"Restorative Justice gives them a chance to explain the true impacts of crime to the offender, asking them directly for the answers they need to allow them to restore control."

Anthony Hilton, Merseyside Service Delivery Manager at Restorative Solutions, said: "Restorative Solutions are delighted that the PCC for Merseyside, together with the North West Probation Service, commission us to deliver this service, enabling us to bring together victims and offenders, to discuss the harm that was caused, in a safe, non-judgemental way, thereby creating an environment where sensitive issues can be discussed openly and honestly."