Back to RJ Archive

“We Need Our Conflicts to Make Us Strong.”

Sawatsky, Jarem.
June 4, 2015

Source: (2006) Justice Connections: a joint publication of NAFCM, PRASI and VOMA. 1(Summer):15-16.

One of the fastest ways to make a people weak, so that they can be ruled over, is to steal their conflicts. This is
often one of the first steps of a colonial government, which usually takes control of conflicts through criminalizing
harms. A new perspective takes over when harms are made into crimes. Traditionally, when someone harms another
person, there has been a community process to address both the symptoms and the roots of what has happened. This has meant “making things right” not just with the victim
but also with the wider family and community surrounding both the harmed and the harmer. (excerpt)

Tags:

Abstract
Support the cause

We've Been Restoring Justice for More Than 40 Years

Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.

Donate Now