Advocating for restorative justice before a legislative body: How to make the case

By Lisa Rea

I testified before the California Senate Public Safety Committee on June 16 in support of AB 114 (Carter), legislation which provides for restorative justice for nonviolent juvenile offenders. Crime victim Russ Turner also joined me during the hearing and added his own perspective on the legislation.

Russ talked about the loss of his son, Jeremy, who was killed instantly by a young man, 22 years old, who was driving while intoxicated (alcohol, and drugs). Rarely do public officials hear from victim survivors who support restorative justice but they should. The number of victims of crime who support restorative justice is growing throughout the U.S. and abroad. For law makers to hear directly from these victims is very important when making the case for restorative justice.

Jun 25, 2009 Policy, Politics, Support, Correspondent:Lisa Rea

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The legacy of clergy sexual abuse: A cry for restorative justice

By Lisa Rea

I first became active on the issue of clergy abuse of children in 2001 after reading a local story in Northern California of a high profile school superintendent who told his story to our local newspaper of being abused by the family priest when he was a child.  I read that man’s brave story on the front page of our little newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. But I can remember the impact then, as I do now, a reaction of shock, disbelief, and anger. How is this possible? What can we do? And how can we do nothing?

Jun 15, 2009 Correspondent:Lisa Rea, Case:Sexual

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Lisa Rea: Restorative Justice: Restoring Victims and Communities.

From the article by Lisa Rea and Theo Gavrielides: Victims-driven restorative justice is built on the premise that an offender needs to see the direct impact that his crime had on his victim and on the community, and should be given the opportunity to make amends and seek to provide a form of reparation to those he injured. Through the voluntary participation of both the victim and the offender engaged in an honest and constructive dialogue (i.e. mediation, family group conferencing, circles, etc.) facilitated by trained professionals, the participants benefit from the information exchange.

Jun 03, 2009 Mediation, Other, Victim, Correspondent:Lisa Rea

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