A CONTRACT to continue support for victims of crime in Hampshire has been extended. 

Restorative Solutions, which provides support to victims and aims to reduce offending, will continue its service in the county for another three years. 

The extended contract was given out by Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones last week.

The new contract began on April 1 and has an option to be extended for a further two years if required. 

The free service, Restorative Justice, gives victims the opportunity to communicate with the person responsible for the crime.

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Ms Jones said: “Many people feel their lives have been turned upside down when they have become a victim of crime, and Restorative Justice helps them feel in control, get answers to questions they may have, helping them move forward and feel less fearful of crime in the future.”

Funding for the contract is £435,000 per year with the Police and Crime Commissioner providing £325,000 from the Ministry of Justice Victims Services Grant.

A further £50,000 has been set aside to tackle offender initiated Restorative Justice with £60,000 coming from South Central Probation.