What is restorative justice?

At its heart, restorative justice is a conversation. It is a carefully facilitated conversation involving dialogue between people whose relationship has been damaged or destroyed as the result of a crime. Regardless of the nature of the crime or situation, or whether it takes place in the hours following the offence or follows months or even years of preparation, this conversation is likely to be highly charged. Sometimes, particularly in those cases where there is more serious harm, a restorative conversation can be extraordinary and life-changing.

Not all crimes occur between people who were previously known to one another, and a restorative conversation between people who are strangers and who are unlikely to meet again once the conversation has ended will have a different flavour to a restorative conversation between friends and acquaintances, family members or neighbours. Nevertheless, when any crime is committed, a new (and unwelcome) relationship begins. A prolific offender may appear to be able to put aside their thoughts and feelings about each individual they have harmed. However, it is remarkable how clearly those memories can return given the right encouragement; they are buried but not forgotten. The person harmed is even less likely to forget. Even if they did not see the person responsible, they know the details about some of their actions and will often try to fill in the gaps with their imagination. The stranger has become ‘the man who has packed his bags and moved in with you. He's living with you in your own home’. After a crime, each side carries the other within, and more serious crimes establish a more profound connection.

A restorative conversation has the remarkable potential to loosen the grip of this damaging relationship. In cases where people were known to each other and will meet again, it can transform this relationship into one that is healthy and respectful, or even start or renew a friendship. During the process, people can be released from a burden that can otherwise, in some cases, blight lives.

Recognising the destruction caused by crime and its consequences, restorative justice pays close attention to everyone who has been affected – those who are harmed, those who are responsible, their supporters and their communities – understanding that justice will best be served when all those involved participate actively in finding a way forward.