Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is an approach to dealing with crime and conflict which focuses on identifying and repairing the harm caused to the victims/survivors of crime.

A restorative justice approach focuses on:

• reduce crime victims' traumatic stress symptoms
  
• empower victims to voice their needs to repair the harm
  
• provide a space for meaningful dialogue
  
• reduce recidivism
  
• build resilient communities with a higher level of safety and comfort
• restorative justice programs are voluntary and emphasize the value of empathy, respect, honesty, acceptance, accountability, and responsibility. 

To read more about restorative justice:

• Davis, F. 2019. Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice. New York: Good Books.
  
• Valandra, E. & Hokšíla, W.W., Eds. 2020. Colorizing Restorative Justice. Minneapolis: Living Justice Press.
• Yazzie, R. 1994. ‘Life comes from it’: Navajo justice concepts. New Mexico Law Review, 24, Spring 1994, 175-190.
• Zehr, H. 2015. Little Book of Restorative Justice, Revised and Updated. New York: Good Books.