Victim Recovery in Restorative Justice: A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Restorative justice was initially used for minor crimes, but it has been increasingly used to address the aftermath of violent crimes. Previous studies have indicated that restorative justice can be effective in reducing the harmful effects of violent victimization. However, there is limited research on how restorative justice can support victim recovery. This article presents a theoretical framework to better understand the relationship between victim recovery and restorative justice. The framework identifies core recovery factors that are common to victims of different types of violence, as well as those that are relevant to the restorative justice process. In addition, the framework highlights enabling factors that can facilitate the victim recovery process when present in restorative justice as well as inhibiting factors that can impede the victim recovery process if they are present in restorative justice.

The Maldives Criminal Court's Approach in Engaging the Parties in First-degree Felony Murder: A Content Analysis

“…However, it could only happen in an environment that prioritises communication (Suzuki & Yuan, 2021). Furthermore, Suzuki (2023) proposed a framework with core recovery factors for engaging victims of violent crime in a restorative process. His framework highlighted enabling and inhibiting factors affecting their recovery (Suzuki, 2023).…”

“…Furthermore, Suzuki (2023) proposed a framework with core recovery factors for engaging victims of violent crime in a restorative process. His framework highlighted enabling and inhibiting factors affecting their recovery (Suzuki, 2023). According to Suzuki (2023), while some enabling factors like restitution and support networks can cultivate recovery, insincere apologies and denial or minimising responsibility can inhibit the process.…”

“…His framework highlighted enabling and inhibiting factors affecting their recovery (Suzuki, 2023). According to Suzuki (2023), while some enabling factors like restitution and support networks can cultivate recovery, insincere apologies and denial or minimising responsibility can inhibit the process. Research also indicates that some victims fulfil their punishment objectives through communicating with the offender and that some victims are not excessively punitive.…”

“…Literature indicates that in addition to seeking forgiveness, offenders should demonstrate they are serious about committing to change (Martinez-Diaz et al, 2021). Furthermore, the justice providers should ensure the offenders understand the value of a sincere apology and how an insincere apology could counter their road to rehabilitation (Suzuki, 2023). For this reason, in addition to engaging the parties in first-degree felony murder, it is crucial to see if the court encourages the expression of remorse and forgiveness and how the approach affects the outcome of the cases.…”