Restorative Justice and Sexual Violence: An Annotated Bibliography

Restorative Justice in Cases of Sexual Violence: An Annotated Bibliography

Articles are organized alphabetically. Part 3.1 includes articles that discuss or focus on original, empirically-based research. Part 3.2 presents literature reviews and critical commentary, including government reports (or reports commissioned by governments).

A number of common themes emerge through the annotations.

Theme I: The context of using or implementing RJ is important. This becomes clear in debates and discussions where it may or may not be applicable, appropriate, safe, or desirable to use RJ in instances of sexual violence.

Theme II: There is a conversation about the theory, implications, and potential for the RJ process in instances of sexual violence. This includes discussions of the tenets of RJ in cases of sexual violence and elaborations of the process of RJ in cases of sexual violence. The body of research and commentary has also accumulated long lists of important considerations when recommending or practicing RJ approaches.

Theme III: There is little certainty when it comes to who is best suited, both as victim or offender, and in terms of the types of cases, to participate in RJ processes. However, victim autonomy, victim awareness, victim information, and victim choice are important themes in the literature.

Theme IV: Training and information are needed for all practitioners on RJ. Such training and information should include content on: the impact of gender violence; the dynamics of intimate partner violence; power relations; and dynamics in Indigenous communities.

Theme V: Victims also need information about the RJ process. The timing and content of this information are open for debate.

Theme VI: RJ can be a strategy to address weaknesses of current criminal justice system solutions to sexual violence.

Theme VII: There is always a need for more research, data collection, and analysis. Research is needed to assess the outcomes of RJ, the practices of RJ, participants’ satisfaction with RJ, best practices, and areas in need of improvement.

Theme VIII: There are multiple opportunities for RJ, either as an alternative to the criminal justice system or something done in combination with it.