Restorative Justice (RJ) is “an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime while holding the offender responsible for his or her actions, by providing an opportunity for the parties directly affected by a crime – victim(s), offender and community – to identify and address their needs in the aftermath of a crime, and seek a resolution that affords healing, reparation and reintegration, and prevents future harm” ( Cormier 2002, p. 3).

Restorative justice encompasses a set of values that include taking responsibility, inclusiveness, openness, trust, hope, “healing rather than hurting, respectful dialogue, making amends, caring, and participatory forgiveness” (Braithwaite, 2000, p. 293).  It places priority on the restoration of victims, offenders, and communities, taking priority over punishment. By holding offenders directly accountable, and emphasizing the importance of the victim’s active role in “justice,” RJ provides opportunities for the victim to utilize the support and assistance necessary to heal.  Furthermore, by providing a variety of opportunities for dialogue and problem-solving to interested crime victims, offenders, families, and other support persons, the offender is offered the opportunity for reintegration into productive community life, thereby bettering the overall community.