Conflict is inevitable, whether it is between nations or individuals. Conflict typically occurs when there are differing needs, and often involves a breakdown in communication. Parties usually do not know how to get their needs met without disregarding the needs of the other. This creates a win-lose scenario. Restorative practices offers a peaceable intervention to resolve the impasse.
Sometimes conflict causes harm, either emotionally or physically. Restorative practices can help those harmed by other's actions. By seeking to restore balance in a fair and just way, it can hopefully prevent future harm. Restorative practices encourage those who have caused harm to acknowledge the impact of what they have done, and gives those harmed the opportunity to have their loss acknowledged out loud and amends made.
What can the Restorative Justice process provide for the victim?
- An opportunity to explain the impact of the crime.
- An acknowledgement of the harm caused
- Peace of mind about the future.
- Sometimes an apology/reparation/recompense is agreed upon.
What can the Restorative Justice process provide for the offender?
- The opportunity to explain what happened.
- The opportunity to try to put right any harm caused.
- Re-integration into the community
