Will had just finished working at home for the day. He opened his study door and came face to face with a stranger in his house. Peter smashed a cast iron stove top over Will’s head, which led to a fight. Will managed to manoeuvre them out of the house and screamed for help. Eventually, the police arrived and Peter was arrested.

The next time they met was in Pentonville prison in a Restorative Justice meeting, providing the opportunity for the two men to talk about what happened and its impact on each of them in a safe and controlled way. Will told Peter he had destroyed his sense of safety in his home, that he didn’t feel he could protect his family, and every time he opened his front door he was afraid there would be a stranger behind it.

Peter’s shocked face showed the impact of his words, and Will knew that he had heard, and understood the impact of his actions. Peter said it was the first time he had realised the effect of the thousands of crimes he had committed.

After this meeting, Peter never offended again. Will could see that Peter was not a monster, but a desperate and troubled man, which helped with his recovery.

Will set up Why me?, with Peter’s help, to give more people the benefit of the transformational impact they both experienced. Donate to help us make this happen for more people affected by crime.

Hear their story in their own words

At Why me?, we see first hand again and again how Restorative Justice can transform lives, just like Peter's and Will's.

Your donation will help us continue our vital work raising awareness of and access to Restorative Justice so that more people can benefit from this transformative tool.

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