What is a major benefit of restorative justice practices?

Restorative justice practices are centered on promoting healing and facilitating dialogue among all parties involved in a conflict or crime. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the harm done to victims, encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions, and fostering a sense of community involvement in the resolution process.

By prioritizing healing and dialogue, restorative justice creates an environment where victims can express their feelings, offenders can acknowledge their wrongdoing, and the community can work together to address the underlying issues that contributed to the offense. This collaborative process aims not only to repair the harm done but also to restore relationships and build a stronger community, making it a holistic and inclusive approach to justice.

In contrast, focusing exclusively on punishment, disregarding the victim's perspective, and operating without community involvement represent approaches that are antithetical to the principles of restorative justice. These alternatives often miss the opportunity for healing and reconciliation that restorative practices strive to achieve.