What is a key focus of Restorative Justice in community contexts?

Restorative Justice in community contexts emphasizes the importance of repairing relationships and addressing the harm caused to individuals and the community as a whole. This approach seeks to involve all stakeholders affected by a crime or conflict, including victims, offenders, and community members. By prioritizing dialogue and understanding, Restorative Justice facilitates healing and reintegration rather than solely focusing on punishment.

The essence of this framework is to foster a sense of accountability on the part of the offender while promoting reconciliation with the victim and the community. This contrasts starkly with the punitive systems that emphasize punishment as a deterrent, which do not necessarily lead to healing or restoration of community ties. Such restorative practices can lead to more sustainable outcomes by addressing the root causes of offenses and rebuilding trust within the community.