Restorative Justice

Acorn questions the fundamental assumptions behind the rhetoric of the restorative movement: that we can trust wrongdoers’ capacity for meaningful accountability and respectful community, and that we can, in good conscience, deploy the idea that healing lies in (re)encounter to seduce victims to participate in restorative processes.

The following document is one in the series of 'Getting fair outcomes for victims and survivors' papers that present what was heard, along with
research, best practices and options for change.

This text explores the Author's study about Women's experience with Restorative Justice in Nova Scotia. Rubin explores the struggles and victories of the justice process and were women's' rolls fall within it.

In 2001, Correctional Services Canada took a progressive step by pilot testing Canada’s first Restorative Justice environment within a correctional facility. At Grande Cache Institution a living unit was developed that integrated Restorative Justice principles and values into prison operations. This report reviews the highlights and setbacks of the pilot.

Forgiveness is an untapped force in our revenge-oriented culture. These stories show that forgiveness is not condoning or forgetting, or failing to set limits. Forgiveness is recognizing and acknowledging all that was wrong, but refusing to be destroyed by it, and refusing to be drawn into a cycle of hatred and bitterness.