Children and Family Violence: Restorative Messages from New Zealand

Abstract

Despite the support for restorative justice in New Zealand, there is still debate about whether it should be used in cases of family violence. The reasons against its use have included power imbalances in the family, the trivialisation of crimes against women, reinforcement of misogynist attitudes, putting children at risk, and perpetuating negative attitudes. The author believes that the criminal justice system does not effectively hold male offenders accountable for their actions, or ensure that victims are safe. She argues that restorative justice, specifically conferencing, has the potential to achieve these things. Presenting some case studies that demonstrate how restorative justice can succeed, she addresses concerns related to applying restorative justice to family violence cases.