At worst, the victim is ignored and re-victimized by the system which calls itself justice. The community sits on the sidelines in fear. Restoring Justice Restorative Justice is a radical shift from the prevailing thinking about justice. It recognizes the harm done to the victim and places repairing that harm in the center of the system. Retribution cannot repair this tear.
Retribution can only push people farther apart, increasing the harm done to the offender as well.
Restorative Justice works to restore shalom by holding the offender accountable to the victim for repairing the harm done by the crime, and by giving the community a role to play in responding to both the victim and the offender.