restorative justice for offenders

How can RJ help offenders?

Restorative justice focuses on rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures. It can provide opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection and the development of skills that contribute to a more positive and law-abiding lifestyle.

Participation in restorative justice processes can provide a sense of closure for both victims and offenders. For offenders, actively working towards making amends and understanding the impact of their actions can contribute to a sense of closure and resolution.

What is the RJ process like?

Restorative justice offers various possible approaches. The chosen method should always fulfil the needs and wishes of all parties, and be voluntary at all times. The methods can be customised according to individual needs and contexts.

  • Trauma -informed

  • Voluntary

  • Led by trained facilitators

Aims of restorative justice for offenders

Providing opportunities for offenders to take meaningful responsibility for their actions, promoting awareness of the harm caused and encouraging personal growth.

Helping offenders to reintegrate into society by promoting constructive engagement with those affected, the community and support networks.

Encouraging open and voluntary dialogue between offenders, victims (if they wish to participate) and the community to promote understanding, accountability and personal transformation.

Assisting offenders to recognise and take steps to repair harm, whether through direct or symbolic actions, and to contribute to the well-being of those affected.

“I had never thought that my actions could have such serious and lasting repercussions. I can never do anything like that to anyone again.”

Dialogue participant

Possible benefits for people who have committed criminal offences

Crime causes harm to victims, relatives and the wider community, which leads to an obligation to make amends. Restorative justice therefore offers the following opportunities:

  • Experiencing first-hand how their behaviour and actions affect people and what the long-term consequences can be
  • Taking responsibility for their own actions and being able to express this
  • Receiving preventive and supportive assistance in areas that may have contributed to the offender’s behaviour
  • Receiving support in reintegrating into society and strengthening their network of relationships

What RJ processes are available to offenders?

  • Victim-offender dialogues

Victim-offender dialogues refer to a process between directly related victims and offenders. These processes can take place as face-to-face encounters or through indirect forms, such as letters, video messages or messages passed on through the facilitators.

  • Restorative conferences

Restorative conferences include victims and offenders of the same crime. In addition, it can involve other people who might be affected by the crime or who can support the parties, such as relatives, friends or even therapists.

  • Restorative dialogues

Restorative dialogues are group processes between victims and offenders who are not not related directly, but who have suffered or caused the same kind of harm. The groups are facilitated by restorative justice professionals and participants are individually prepared to take part in these dialogues.

  • Re-entry circles

This process enables prisoners to address conflicts with loved ones and significant others under the guidance of trained facilitators. It provides a platform to work through the consequences of their actions, repair strained relationships and work together to find solutions for a better future.

  • Circles

Circle processes can be used to facilitate dialogue between parties in various constellations—whether involving victims, offenders, and their support communities or focusing on a single group to help them process their experiences and emotions.

They can serve as a method for including a broader group of people in direct victim-offender encounters, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Additionally, circle processes can be used to work specifically with groups of victims and/or offenders, providing a structured space for reflection, healing, and mutual understanding.

Participation in RJ

If you know someone who might benefit from our services or you are interested in participating in a restorative justice process yourself, please contact us at swissrjforum@gmail.com.