International study finds crime levels cut after offenders meet victims

A new study has found putting offenders face-to-face with their victims can reduce future crime levels.

The research involving the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra has found the frequency of repeat offending is down by as much as 55 per cent after criminals meet victims, compared with using the traditional court system.

The ANU's John Braithwaite helped introduce restorative justice conferences to ACT courts during the 1990s.

The sessions involve victims and their criminals agreeing to meet with family or friends present, along with police or other trained moderators to discuss the impact of the crime.

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