Gendered Violence and Restorative Justice: The Views of Victim Advocates

Source: Brisbane, Australia: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University. Downloaded 30 November 2004.

The use of restorative justice for gendered violence has been debated in the feminist literature for some time. Critics warn that it is inappropriate because the process and outcomes are not sufficiently formal or stringent, and victims may be re-victimized. Proponents assert that a restorative justice process may be better for victims than court because it holds offenders accountable and gives victims greater “voice.â€? This paper presents what victim advocates in two Australian states think about using restorative justice for gendered violence. We find that while victim advocates have concerns and reservations about restorative justice, most saw positive elements. Author’s abstract.