What is meant by 'restitution' in the context of victim support?

Restitution, in the context of victim support, refers to the return of property to the victim. This process aims to restore victims to their original state as much as possible following a crime. When a victim has experienced a loss due to a criminal act, restitution serves as a means to redress that loss by ensuring they receive their property back, which could include stolen items or property damaged during the crime. This aligns with the principles of justice that prioritize making victims whole again and holding offenders accountable for their actions.

While monetary compensation for medical costs is important for victims, it typically falls under the category of compensation rather than restitution, which specifically pertains to the return of lost or stolen property. Legal advice is a supportive service often provided for victims, but it does not pertain to restitution directly. Guaranteeing the offender's incarceration relates to the punishment aspect of the criminal justice system rather than addressing the victim’s immediate needs or losses.