Defining
relational approaches to harm
What is restorative and transformative justice?
Restorative and Transformative Justice are approaches to harm, with roots and practices in Indigenous and relational cultures. They are accountability processes, philosophies, and frameworks for preventing and repairing harm that acknowledge and respond to the needs of those who have been harmed.
Through intentional, facilitated justice processes, those who have been harmed, those who have caused harm, and, at times, additional community members come together to prioritize accountability and healing and address and repair the impacts and root causes of violence.
why?
Healing, accountability, and meaningful change.
Rather than focus solely on punishment, these relational approaches to justice seek to repair harm caused by actions in ways that honor dignity, agency, and equity.
Core principles to restorative and transformative justice
accountability
Framed as: acknowledging harm, understanding the impacts of that harm and the behaviors that led to it, taking responsibility to repair that harm, and changing behavior to prevent further harm. Accountability is a human-centered process that requires self-reflection and awareness, and uplifts the dignity of all involved.
Survivor needs
This thoughtful and intentional, consent-driven process, where engagement is voluntary and based on informed choice, is guided by the needs of those who have been impacted. The process prioritizes safety, healing, and agency. Those who have been harmed hold an integral role in determining how harm is addressed and repaired.
healing-centered
Healing-centered approaches build well-being by focusing on strengths, culture, identity, and collective healing, rather than just fixing problems or symptoms. These approaches acknowledge trauma and promote holistic development by centering agency, relationships, meaning, and aspirations, allowing individuals and communities to move beyond mere survival.
how is it practiced?
There are lots of different ways that relational and community-based justice can be practiced. This overview helps to understand the spectrum of practices and processes.
peacemaking
Peacemaking is a traditional Native American form of justice that focuses on healing and reparation. Peacemaking, or some form of it, is found among many different tribes and reflects each tribe’s unique culture, religion, and collective experiences. Peacemaking varies in format and name; the most widely-recognized model comes from the Navajo Nation and is called “peacemaking.” Other tribes, like the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Suislaw, call this process “peacegiving,” while the Muscogee have “law menders.” But what they all have in common is a focus on problem solving and an emphasis on future relations rather than assigning guilt and imposing punishment for past actions. While the justice system typically relies on a hierarchical model of authority and sanctions to maintain order, peacemaking focuses on restoring positive relationships with others through shared norms, values, and respect for tradition (Yazzie, 1996). (Center for Justice Innovation, 2015)
facilitated dialogue
A structured conversation process led by a facilitator that brings individuals and those who have harmed together in a safe way to be heard, develop understanding, and find ways to repair harm.
Family Group Conferencing (FGC)
A structured meeting where families, friends, and community supports come together to create a plan to address a specific problem, such as child safety, mental health, or a crime, guided by a neutral facilitator.
Circles of Accountability (CoSA)
Community-based groups of volunteers and professionals that support individuals with a history of sexual offenses reintegrate, enhance community safety, and repair relationships. These groups provide a safety net of mentorship and guidance to help individuals manage risk factors, develop pro-social skills, and avoid reoffending.
Victim Impact Classes or Panels
Victims share their experiences with those who have caused harm to help them understand the broader impact of their actions.
what does the research tell us?
Restorative justice contributed to lower levels of fear and post-traumatic stress symptoms among victims, and victims had a lower desire for revenge after going through a restorative process (Sherman et al., 2015).
New Zealand Victim Satisfaction Survey (2016)
-
84% of victims were satisfied with the restorative justice conference
-
91% said they felt safe at the restorative justice conference
-
81% reported they would likely recommend restorative justice to others
-
81% of respondents thought that the restorative justice conference was a good way to address harm
United Kingdom evaluation of three restorative justice schemes (Shapland et al., 2007)
-
85% of victims and 80% of offenders were very or quite satisfied with restorative justice processes
-
90% of victims reported that their offenders had apologized
27% reduction in reoffending in restorative justice compared to traditional punitive measures such as imprisonment or probation.
Restorative justice emphasizes personal accountability and the opportunity for offenders to understand the human consequences of their actions (Khan et al., 2023).
want to learn more?
Life Comes from It: Navajo Justice Concepts
Reading from New Mexico Law Review
Navajo justice is unique, because it is the product of the experience of the Navajo People...Read more
What are Obstacles to Accountability?
Video from Barnard Center for Research on Women
Restorative Justice: Why Do We Need it?
Video from Brave New Films
Trauma and the Brain
Video from NHS Lanarkshire's Ending Violence and Abuse
What is Transformative Justice?
Video from Barnard Center for Research on Women
8 Tips for Schools Interested in Restorative Justice
Reading from Edutopia
Restorative justice promotes a positive, orderly school environment... Read more