The stories from circles have taught me about the incredible strength of those who have been victimized, the capacity of many who have caused harm to reclaim their lives and give back to their communities after decades of destruction and despair, and the wisdom of regular folks in the community who are teaching us how to wrap those who have been victimized in arms of loving comfort and protection and wrap those who have offended in arms of loving discipline and limits.
Circles are a community development process as well as a justice process.
There are multiple community needs and responsibilities in the wake of crime. A need and responsibility to express the pain and outrage directly to those who cause harm. A need and responsibility to play a constructive role in the resolution of the crime in order to regain a sense of efficacy and control over community life. A need and responsibility to address the well being of every member of the community and to provide healing for all affected. A need and responsibility to understand and address the underlying causes of crime to prevent future occurrences A need and responsibility to affirm community norms.