Restorative Justice: Empowering Victims and Offenders Through Mediation and Conferencing

Abstract

[Name] There are many ways to approach justice for a victim. There are the traditional models: retributive justice, and utilitarian justice. The traditional models of justice require a harsher punishment, sometimes leading to recidivism. A different approach would be restorative justice; this method provides justice for the victim and creates a safe space in the community. Research has shown that victims who are a part of the restorative justice process report fewer feelings of anger and fear. (Jonas-van Dijk, Zebel, Claessen, & Nelen & 2019) The goal is to let the offender learn about their mistake, take accountability, and take direct responsibility. The goal for the victim is to be able to get their feeling recognized. The goal for both sides is to come to an agreeable plan to recognize the harm done by the crime. There are different ways restorative justice can be used in this case. First being victim-offender meditation. This method allows for the victim to meet with the offender in a safe and hostile free environment. There would be multiple people to play different roles. First role would be the trained mediator. The mediator will hold the meeting with the admitted offender and victim. This meeting will give the victim the opportunity to share their physical, emotional, and financial impact from the crime committed. This meeting also offers the opportunity for the offender to answer any questions the victim might have. Often times victims report being fulfilled with being able to share their stories and pain from the crime. (Umbreit 2002) This method rebuilds hope and dignity to victims recovering from a crime. (Moran 2017) Another method would be Family Group conferencing. With this method it involves the victim, the offender, the victims family or any other close friends or key supporters (Umbreit 2000). This process is similar to victim offender mediation. In this case the mediator contacts the...