Restorative justice

• Restorative justice is a form of rehabilitation that focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour. Rather than emphasising punishment, restorative justice seeks to involve the victim and the offender in a process of dialogue and reconciliation.

  • The aim is to help both parties understand the impact of the crime and work towards reparation and healing.
• A key feature is Victim-Offender Dialogue:

  • This involves a meeting or dialogue between the victim and the offender, facilitated by a trained mediator.
  • The victim has an opportunity to express the emotional and psychological impact of the crime, and the offender is encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and apologise.
• A key feature is Restitution:

  • The offender may be required to make amends by offering reparations, such as paying compensation or providing community service.
  • The goal is to give the offender an opportunity to repair the harm caused by their actions, which can promote a sense of responsibility and accountability.
• A key feature is Rehabilitation:

  • It aims to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior by encouraging offenders to reflect on their actions and understand the consequences.
  • The process seeks to foster personal growth and encourage the offender to make positive changes in their life, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.