Restorative Justice + Evaluation

Restorative justice programmes

A system that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims, focusing on reparation.

Reparation

making amends for the harm that has been caused

two aims of RJ

• victims recovery

• offenders rehabilitation

Key features of RJ

• offenders voluntarily meet with survivors, face to face or on zoom

• survivor can explain the affects the crime had on them

• offender gets to understand the consequences of their actions

• trained mediator supervises the encounter

what can RJ be used for?

• reducing a sentence

• an alternative for prison

• pre trial (to be involved in their case)

Restitution

Compensating the survivor, could be emotionally or monetarily.

Example of restitution

repairing property they destroyed

Restorative Justice Council

Establishes clear standard for the use of RJ. It can be used in crime as well as schools, work, and hospitals.

research evidence, shapland et al

longitudinal research which found that 85% of survivors reported satisfaction with meeting their offender. 60% said it made them feel better. supports the effectiveness of RJ on survivors recovery.

research evidence, strang et al

meta-analysis of 10 studies, found that RJ offenders were significantly less likely to reoffend in comparison to sentenced offenders. especially for violent offenders. supports effectiveness of RJ on offender's rehabilitation.

abusing the system

not all offenders use RJ for rehabilitation, rather some use it to reduce their sentence/avoid punishment instead of actually regretting their crime.

reluctancy/unwillingness of survivors/offenders

not all survivors/offenders are prepared to meet each other or forgive them, due to trauma or humiliation.