Valerie knew this. She had a buring need to face the man who killed her sister. Our present justice system focuses on broken laws. Restorative justice focuses on healing wounded people. Valerie's family could have been more than spectators in a process dealing with a huge tragedy in their lives . . .
Victims often fact overwhelming losses and great disruption in their lives.
They are usually hard-pressed to find the help and support they ned along their healing path. Healing resources are needed. Punishment in the form of prison is known to do more harm than good. Restorative justice approaches seek to ensure that offenders have opportunities to address their issues. His family was separated from him and punished in the proces.