Back to RJ Archive

The Role of Restorative Justice in the Battered Women’s Movement

Frederick, Loretta
June 4, 2015

Source: (2003) Battered Women’s Justice Project. Downloaded 1 March 2004.

To the extent that practices of the CJS, the battered women’s movement and the
restorative justice movement (when applied to domestic violence cases) are effective, redemptive and liberating, they must address the range of risks women face and create a hope that in the short and long term, intimate violence against women can be reduced. Practices should be measured by their effectiveness in creating true safety for battered women and their children, restoring or creating autonomy and freedom for victims of domestic violence, and shifting community norms to the acceptance of egalitarianism and peace as a standard for conduct in
relationships. An analysis of the practices of these three systems shows that some of the approaches of each have flaws, some lesser and some greater, and strengths from which the others could learn. In addition, the practices of all three systems need to better reflect the context within which domestic violence occurs, especially gender, class and race-based oppression. (excerpt)

Tags:

AbstractCourtsDomestic ViolenceFamiliesPolicePolicyRJ OfficeStatutes and LegislationTeachers and Students
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