These range from international peacemaking tribunals such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa to innovations within our courts, jails and prisons, such as victim-offender dialogue, community justice committees and victim impact panels. Rather than privileging the law and the state, restorative justice engages the victim, the offender and the affected community in search of solutions that promote repair and reconciliation. Restorative justice seeks to build partnerships to reestablish mutual responsibility for constructive responses to crime and wrongdoing within our communities. Restorative justice seeks a balanced approach to the needs of victim, the community, and the offender through justice processes that preserve the safety and dignity of all. Restorative justice offers a comprehensive approach to crime which seeks to repair all of the relationships damaged by crime.
Crime is viewed as an act against another person and the community.
Communities and the justice system are responsible for providing opportunities for reparation, and for providing support for all those affected by crime, including victims, offenders, their families and the community. Support, assistance, and restitution for victims is a priority for a restorative response to crime. Offenders are held accountable directly to the victim and the community for their behavior and are offered constructive opportunities for meeting obligations to repair the harm.