There are an estimated 12.1 million prisoners globally kept within 19,000 prison sites. Cut off from society, they reside in a culture that does not rehabilitate and is often based on retribution and the threat of violence — not restoration. To survive, they learn to protect themselves through the same means that got them into prison, perpetuating a culture of violence and retaliation. As a result, 75% of these men and women will come back into the community unchanged and without hope, and will re-offend within five years of their release -- and the cycle continues.
But restorative justice can break the cycle.
Restorative Justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. It is best accomplished through cooperative processes that allow all willing stakeholders to meet, although other approaches are available when that is impossible. This can lead to transformation of people, relationships and communities.
Restorative Justice HandbookThroughout my childhood, I gradually became more devious and more involved in crime. I started smoking marijuana early in life, and at the age of 15 I was spending a lot of time...
Read MoreAt the time of my arrest, I felt it was the worst thing that had happened to me in my life. Today, I understand that getting caught was not the worst, but the best! After...
Read MoreWith my participation in the STP program, I have understood that not only my direct victims but also my family and society have been victims of my wrongdoing. I have grown as a...
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