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Restorative Justice Processes

Is Restorative Justice Right For Me?

I experienced a harm or was the victim of a crime, and "I just want to understand why this happened." “I want the person to admit what they did, but I don’t know if I want them to go to jail.” “I want the person to get help for their issues so they don’t do this again.” “I want to tell the person exactly how this affected me.” “I don’t want to testify in court or be a part of a legal process.”

I caused harm or was charged with a crime, and “I really wish I could say, ‘I’m sorry’ directly to the person I hurt.” “I feel guilty about what I did and want them to know that I want to change.” “I wish I could have a conversation with the person I hurt and find out what would help them the most.” “I want to make amends for what happened.” “I need help to change the habits and behaviors that got me here.”

I am part of a family or community where harm has occurred, and “I think the people involved can work out a solution together." "I think this situation needs to be addressed, but don't think going to court will help." "I care about someone who has harmed or been harmed, and I want to support them while they work through it."

What are the benefits of being part of a restorative process?

  • You can ask for what you need to move forward

  • You receive support to prevent the situation from happening again

  • You gain a better understanding of the other person’s experience, and they will have a better understanding of yours

  • You can play an active part in deciding when, where, and how to solve the problem, and who else to involve

  • There is an opportunity to make amends, heal, repair relationships, or find closure

  • You avoid the potential costs, indignities, and inflexibilities of the legal system

  • You get to be part of a growing restorative justice movement that has been shown around the world to improve accountability, public safety, resilience, equality, and self-reliant communities

What are the potential risks of a restorative process?

  • Revisiting the experience again can be challenging or painful

  • The other person might not be as sympathetic to you as you had hoped

  • Face-to-face conversation and making decisions together can be hard – some people find it easier to simply let the court decide, or to “do the time” and forget about what happened

Requesting Services

Anyone can make a referral for restorative justice. CVCJ offers RJ for situations when there has been a criminal charge, as well as situations without criminal charges.

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Situations that may be appropriate for restorative justice:

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  • The responsible person is willing to explore the ways they contributed to the harm

  • The harmed person is willing to explore healing and safety rather than just punishment

  • Everyone is willing to be open, honest, and engaged

To find out more or talk through your situation,
please call CVCJ at (434) 260-0322 or email info@CommunityJusticeVA.org.

CVCJ currently has agreements with the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County

to divert criminal cases to restorative justice.
 

Participants involved in cases in these localities receive RJ services at no charge.

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To inquire about support in a different location,

please contact info@CommunityJusticeVA.org.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

...CVCJ was quite effective and somewhat transforming for our family.... ...[Restorative justice] transformed most of my anger, frustration, outrage and grief. -CVCJ Participant
I feel like both parties got to view the other's humanity. -CVCJ harmed participant
I don't want to harm anyone. I don't want someone to suffer for a poor choice in their past. I believe in forgiveness and restoration and second chances. -CVCJ participant
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