Could Restorative Justice Help Me? Shad’s Story

In July 2008, Shad was the victim of a random, violent attack that left him needing major facial reconstructive surgery. He couldn’t understand why a stranger would randomly inflict so much pain onto another human being - so he decided to ask him.
Do you think you could meet the man who shattered your face in a random attack? Shad was offered the chance to do just this through a restorative justice scheme; to find out why he chose him and what was going through his head at that moment.
On the day he met Glenn, Shad was incredibly anxious. But what began as a handshake turned into a hug “like long-lost brothers” between Glenn and the man he attacked.
“I would very, very strongly and actively encourage all victims and offenders to be part of the restorative justice process,” says Shad. “I think as difficult as it is - and it is a very, very difficult thing to get your head round - it was only when we were able to meet each other that we could repair the damage that had been done by that crime that had been committed…
“Restorative justice allows some of the damage that has been done to be repaired by the two people who have been most affected by it.”
To discover more about restorative justice, visit: Restorative Justice | The Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)
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