key aspects of rj

Restorative justice focuses on:

  • Recovering from harm

  • Repairing harm

  • Restoring relationships

restorative justice

What is restorative justice?

Restorative justice has a broad field of application. It consists of a series of processes aimed at addressing conflicts and crime within a wide range of settings. These could include criminal law and prison as well as other areas of civil and administrative law, school and education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and community building.

For the time being, the Swiss RJ Forum concentrates on processes involving people who are directly or indirectly affected by criminal offences.

Restorative justice places victims at the centre, seeking ways to address their needs and prioritising their recovery. In addition, it supports offenders and others affected, such as family members on both sides.

Restorative justice promotes a forward-looking approach that encourages open dialogue, accountability and understanding. The process involves a collective effort to repair harm, rebuild relationships and work towards positive outcomes for all those affected by crime.

Restorative justice focuses on three key aspects

recovery

Recovering from harm

Restorative justice recognises the emotional and psychological harm caused by crime.

It prioritises the well-being and recovery of victims by providing a supportive environment in which they can express their feelings, be heard and receive recognition and validation.

This process helps victims find closure, regain a sense of security and begin their journey of recovery.

reparation

Repairing harm

Restorative justice emphasises the importance of repairing the harm caused by an offence. It also recognises that while it is not always possible to completely undo the harm, meaningful steps are taken to address the harm, promote healing and support victims in their journey towards recovery.

By using the phrase “repairing the harm”, this approach acknowledges and addresses the damage inflicted on victims’ lives. It recognises the limits of full reparation, while emphasising the commitment to actively engage in actions that promote recovery, justice and the well-being of victims.

restoration

Restoring relationships

Restorative justice recognises that crime not only harms individuals but also damages the fabric of relationships within communities. It aims to rebuild trust, empathy and understanding between all those involved.

By promoting open dialogue and encouraging active participation, restorative justice enables victims, offenders and community members to develop a shared understanding of the harm caused and to work together to repair and rebuild relationships.

The RJ process does not imply that victims and offenders are expected to reconcile.

How can RJ help?

rj for victims of harm

How may victims benefit?

Restorative justice provides a safe space for victims to express their feelings, fears and concerns about the harm they have suffered, allowing them to be heard and validated.

In addition, restorative justice empowers victims by involving them in decision-making processes and reparation plans, giving them a voice within the justice system.

Overall, restorative justice can support victims in their recovery process, promote a sense of justice and contribute to their overall well-being.

rj for people who offended

How may offenders benefit?

Restorative justice provides an opportunity for offenders to take responsibility for their actions and to understand the impact of their behaviour on the victim and the wider community.

By engaging in meaningful dialogue with the victim, offenders can also gain insight into the underlying factors that led to their harmful behaviour, which can help them to address and change that behaviour in the future.

Ultimately, restorative justice offers offenders an opportunity for personal growth, accountability and the potential for positive change.

rj and society

How may society benefit?

Restorative justice brings several benefits to society as a whole. By emphasising recovery, understanding and community involvement, it promotes a sense of collective responsibility for dealing with and preventing harm.

Through the active participation of victims, offenders and community members, restorative justice fosters a greater sense of social cohesion and trust. It provides a platform for open dialogue and communication, allowing for the exchange of perspectives and the opportunity to address underlying issues that contribute to crime.

By prioritising the needs and voices of those directly affected by crime, restorative justice encourages a shift away from punitive measures towards constructive and rehabilitative approaches. This can reduce reoffending and increase the likelihood of successful reintegration of offenders.

Overall, restorative justice contributes to a safer and more compassionate society where individuals have a greater sense of responsibility, empathy and understanding for one another.