Web resource:	http://mrjc.ca/documents-publications/restorative-justice-domestic-violence/restorative_justice_DV_Lit_Review.pdf
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Restorative justice in the context of domestic violence : a literature review
Authors:	Edwards, Alan Sharpe, Susan
Keywords:	Indigenous issues;Risk assessment;Restorative justice
Year:	2004
Publisher:	Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre Canada, Edmonton
Notes:	General Overview: This report reviews the literature on restorative justice, in the context of domestic violence. The review was written for the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre in Alberta, Canada. Objective: The report reviews the relevant literature to explore the application of restorative justice to domestic violence. It aims to provide information about positive benefits restorative justice can bring to victims and perpetrators, as well as examining the complexities of adopting this approach to the sensitive and often dangerous (for victims, at least) area of domestic violence. Discussion: The report identifies some views and current understandings of the causes and effects of domestic violence, including that of a feminist or socio-political perspective, narrative therapy approach and others. It reports on the few research studies that have measured the effectiveness of restorative approaches in domestic violence. These include methods of victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, circles and victim impact panels. It discusses the concerns that victims, advocates and scholars have with restorative justice. . Challenges to restorative practices in domestic violence are raised, such as issues of safety, unencumbered participation, screening and risk assessment, and facilitator skill level. A summary is provided of the range of perspectives regarding the role restorative justice can play in dealing with domestic violence offenders. Conclusions: The report concludes that restorative justice may be beneficial for some victims and offenders, in carefully managed circumstances and with adequate preparation. However, it notes that the dynamic of domestic violence (involving power and control, and meanings of behaviours often only comprehended by the victim and perpetrator) makes restorative justice more complex. Screening becomes important but also more difficult. Informed consent and unencumbered participation are also difficult to assess. Preparation is vital and more challenging. For some, restorative justice is not equipped to work with the harsh and complex realities of domestic violence. Finally, the report recommends more research, as well as listening and responding to those affected by domestic violence.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/16695
Physical description:	29 p.
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.