Victim-initiated restorative justice

Abstract

Restorative Justice (RJ) theory and corresponding practices have been promoted by transnational organizations and spread to many countries throughout the world (Groenhuijsen 2014; Hagemann 2018). Nevertheless, it is used only in a small percentage of suitable cases. To many citizens RJ is still unknown and the majority of cases are referred by professionals within the criminal justice system. In particular the reluctance of victims imposes a limiting factor to a wider use. There seems to be little awareness of the benefits which RJ can offer for individual healing processes and the restoration of social peace. This chapter analyzes victim-initiated RJ compared with other ways of referral based on practical experiences from pilot projects and RJ service provision. The current challenge to further develop RJ is located in the consistent delivery of appropriate information to actual and potential victims and potential supporters as well as professionals working with both victims and offenders. In short: mainstreaming the philosophy and procedures of RJ both within the community and the criminal justice system which serves it.