Restorative Justice (RJ) seeks to create just outcomes by repairing the harm caused by crime and violence. Typically this happens through facilitating a process that addresses victims’ needs and holds offenders meaningfully accountable for their actions. In this approach, crime is understood not only as breaking the law, but as a violation of people and relationships and a disruption of the peace
in a community. In a restorative justice process, offenders must first accept responsibility for their role in an offence and the harm they have caused. Communities or community members are often actively involved in the process as interested stakeholders, supporters, or facilitators. In B.C., restorative justice is most commonly used for less serious offences such as mischief, assault, and theft. However, a restorative justice process can potentially be used for any crime in which harm has occurred. This can happen where the offender is showing an adequate degree of responsibility and willingness to make amends, and where the victim would like an opportunity to be heard, to have questions answered, or to seek restitution. All cases must be individually addressed for appropriateness. Benefits of RJ
Research indicates that those participating in an RJ process report high levels of victim satisfaction, increased confidence in the justice system, greater rates of agreement completion from offenders, and feeling safer and more connected to their communities. In addition, the use of RJ practices have been shown to create cost savings for the criminal justice system. There are a number of reasons that a person who has committed or been affected by a crime would like to participate in a restorative justice process. Victims may have questions for the offender, or want the offender to understand the impact that their actions have had on them, their family members, and others. Victims may want restitution, compensation, or a sincere apology directly from the offender. Or they may feel that a direct discussion with the offender will allow them to reach closure and to move on from the effects of the offence. These kinds of interactions may not be available in the criminal justice process. In an RJ process, offenders have an opportunity to express their perspective and to fulfill their obligations to the victim and the community in ways that are often more meaningful than through a criminal justice process. Offender compliance is often very high following an RJ process. Depending on the source of the referral, an offender may or may not be able to avoid a criminal record or a court process by participating in a restorative justice process. Taken from: Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General: Victim Services and Crime Prevention - Restorative Justice
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/crimeprevention/shareddocs/pubs/crime-prev-series3-restorative-justice.pdf
