What does the concept of “restorative justice” focus on?

The concept of “restorative justice” focuses on repairing harm through inclusive processes. This approach seeks to engage all stakeholders in the justice process, including victims, offenders, and the community, to address the impact of crime and work towards healing and reconciliation. Instead of purely emphasizing punishment or retribution for the offender, restorative justice emphasizes accountability and the active participation of victims and offenders in resolving the aftermath of a crime.

The inclusive processes allow for dialogue and accountability, fostering an environment where offenders can understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility, while victims can express their feelings, needs, and how the crime affected them. The ultimate goal is to restore relationships and community ties, leading to a more profound healing process for all involved. This contrasts with approaches that focus strictly on punishment, lengthy incarceration, or maximizing restitution, which do not prioritize the communal and relational aspects of justice that are central to restorative practices.