Restorative justice is not just saying 'Sorry'

Martin Wright's letter to the editor that didn't get published:

Mark Johnson’s critique gives a chance to correct some common misconceptions about restorative justice (‘Apologising to victims will not reduce reoffending rates’, SocietyGuardian, 18 August).  It is not about dragging offenders to see their victims, telling them to say “sorry”, nor making them do menial tasks wearing conspicuous clothing.  It does not humiliate offenders (provided it is done properly, of course);  they are enabled to show that they can do something useful and be valued for it. 

It lets victims explain, and offenders understand, the damaging effects of their actions (and in some cases, such as fights, both have been at fault in some ways).  Both are asked questions like ‘What happened?’ ‘Who was affected?’ ‘What do you think and feel about it?’ and ‘What needs to be done to make things better?’  Victims often ask for an apology and/or reparation, but what most of them want is answers to questions and  action to make a repeat less likely.  This could mean that the offender makes reparation by co-operating with whatever support he or she needs, programmes such as anger management, drug treatment or vocational skills.

Sep 13, 2010 Country:England&Wales, Apology, Offender, Correspondent:Martin Wright, Region: Europe

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