How does restorative justice aim to repair harm caused by crime?

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collection of evidence at a crime scene — criminology FBI workers collecting evidence.

Restorative justice shifts the focus of the criminal justice system from merely punishing an offender to actively repairing the harm caused by a crime. Rather than viewing an offense solely as a violation of state law, this approach recognizes that crime injures human relationships, victims, communities, and even offenders themselves.1

To promote healing, restorative justice brings these parties together to address their specific needs through several key processes:

Restitution: Offenders make payments to victims for losses sustained, which serves as a tangible acknowledgment of responsibility and helps remove the financial profit from criminal activity.1
Community Service: Offenders perform work for charitable or governmental organizations, allowing them to contribute positively to society and repay the community at large.1
Victim-Offender Reconciliation: Facilitated by trained mediators, this process allows victims to ask questions, express the impact of the crime, and gain closure. It also encourages offenders to confront the consequences of their actions, fostering accountability and reducing the likelihood of recidivism.1

By prioritizing the active participation of those affected, restorative justice seeks to restore harmony and address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.1