Reflecting on the relationship of the community and restorative justice.

Source: (2010) Reflexions past, present and future. Restorative Justice Week 2010. Correctional Services of Canada.

Bit by bit, over the past two decades, RJ has integrated an understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of the community relationship to crime into the theory and practice of RJ. First, RJ recognizes that communities, not just individuals, are victimized and consequently there is a need for healing and repair of communities. RJ also recognizes that communities bear responsibility for some of the conditions that foster crime resulting in an obligation on the part of the community to address underlying causes of crime. And finally, RJ recognizes that communities have more influence on behaviour than the criminal justice system and therefore are an essential force in responding to and reducing criminal behaviour.(excerpt)