28
Jan
2014
By Calvin at 08:45 GMT, 12 years ago
This is an interesting news item about Victim Support’s pilot imitative to make offenders think about the consequences of crime. The Victim Awareness Course is launching in Hampshire and is backed by Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Hayes.
The pilot sessions are self-funded and involve adult offenders of offences who may receive a conditional caution or a Fixed Penalty Notice.
The scheme involves offenders of criminal damage, public order, anti-social behaviour, assault or theft, attending a three-hour education and awareness course similar to those offered to motorists for speeding offences.
The course is an interactive educational experience delivered by trained professionals which challenges offenders to think about their actions, asking the questions:
- How would they feel if someone did it to them?
- How their actions impacted on their victim?
- Who else could be affected by their behaviour?
- How might they be viewed by others?
- What are they telling themselves to try and justify their behaviour?
Offenders choosing to participate pay £45 towards the cost of the course with any surplus being reinvested in victim services.
The pilot is being run in Portsmouth and Southampton and will be evaluated in terms of victim satisfaction and reducing re-offending. The courses are being hosted courtesy of Hampshire Fire and Rescue at stations in Southsea and Redbridge, Southampton.
Simon Hayes said: “This course provides a diversionary alternative to make offenders think about their actions and steer them away from committing further offences.”
Read the rest here: http://www.victimsupport.com/about-us/news/2014/01/new-pilot-initiative-launches-in-hampshire
