Benefits of Restorative Dialogue
What are the benefits for victims?
- An opportunity to have a voice in the justice process
- An opportunity to ask the offender questions and gain a better understanding of the offence
- An opportunity to tell the offender about the impact the crime has had on them
- The ability to directly influence how the offender is held accountable and repairs the harm
- A voluntary choice to participate in the process and contribute to the outcomes
What are the benefits for offenders?
- The chance to accept responsibility for actions and be held accountable
- The opportunity to gain a better understanding of how others have been affected by the offence
- An opportunity to repair the harm caused
- An opportunity to apologize
- A chance to show the human side of their character
- The possibility of acceptance back into the community
What are the benefits for the community?
- A constructive, community-based approach to justice which addresses individual needs and circumstances
- A way to respond to a crime that is more personalized and less systemic
- When appropriate cases from the criminal justice system are brought to restorative processes, the result is often more efficient use of public funds
- May prevent escalation or continuation in criminal activity by early intervention with offenders
- Improves public understanding of, and trust in, the justice system by actively engaging citizens
