Journey not destination: The importance of process in Restorative Justice
This is a guest blog by Daniel Cunningham, Restorative Justice Lead at Victim First (Catch 22).
Across the Restorative Justice (RJ) sector there is often a strong focus on outcomes: Was there a dialogue? Was there a meeting? Was there shuttle mediation?
Restorative processes and practices must be designed around what people affected by crime need and want. Direct dialogue may be seen as the golden standard, but it’s not the only way to repair harm. The journey is as important as the destination, and we can certainly have success without an agreed outcome.
At Victim First, Leicestershire’s victim service where I am an RJ practitioner, we’ve shifted our mindset to reconsider what exactly “success” looks like when it comes to RJ, and how it is measured, understood and reported.
Why does the journey matter?
Restorative Justice offers various pathways to healing, each tailored to the specific needs of those involved. These pathways can include indirect communication methods such as letters, recorded messages, or shuttle mediation where a facilitator conveys messages between parties. These alternatives can still provide the necessary closure and understanding without a direct confrontation, which may be too challenging or unsafe for some participants.
In many cases, the process of engaging with RJ itself brings significant benefits. Victims of crime often report feelings of empowerment and closure through the restorative journey, even if a direct dialogue with the harmer doesn’t end up being part of the process. For people who have committed crimes, the journey can foster a sense of accountability and a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions.
Case studies
Consider the case of a person who committed an assault, with whom Victim First had engaged after being deemed suitable for Restorative Justice. Although ultimately this individual did not meet the victim of his crime directly, his willingness to face his wrongdoings and engage in the restorative process nevertheless supported him on his journey. The preparation and reflection involved in potentially facing his victim allowed him to understand the gravity of his actions and start a path toward personal accountability and rehabilitation.
In another recent example, Victim First supported a woman who lost a relative in a road traffic collision. While she originally wanted to have an RJ meeting with the person responsible, as her case progressed this was deemed unsuitable. Despite this, casework with Victim First allowed us to connect her with a charity that supports road crash victims. This referral provided her with a community and resources that helped her cope with her loss, demonstrating the broader support network that RJ can facilitate.
How are Victim First embracing wider outcomes within RJ?
Earlier this year, Victim First collaborated with De Montfort University to look at how we can focus on a victim’s full restorative journey, rather than just the end result. This collaboration has allowed us to implement outcomes into our case-management system which recognise the journey and acknowledge how important the initial stages of Restorative Justice are. By focusing on the entire process, instead of just the end, we ensure that people affected by crime receive the support they need from the very beginning, enhancing the overall effectiveness of RJ.
In the realm of Restorative Justice, the process is as significant as the outcome. At Victim First and throughout the Restorative Justice sector, our focus should remain on the needs and experiences of those involved, rather than solely on the end-result. Success is not only found in achieving a specific outcome but in the meaningful steps taken towards understanding and reconciliation.
