Sexual violence and the potential of restorative justice: research results from a European research project

• In Event: Policing Sexual Violence

Abstract

Whether intra-familial, within the church, anonymous or during conflicts, in all its forms sexual violence (SV) is frequent and widespread as can be seen on a daily basis in the media. It is a widely recognised fact that the current and traditional approach to 'justice' is limited in what it can offer in terms of 'justice' to either victims or offenders of sexual crime. The theory and practice of Restorative Justice (RJ) is rapidly developing and offers some well-argued new avenues for dealing with crime in general. I would like to present the preliminary results emerging out of a research project which I have coordinated in which we have explored the possibilities offered by such an approach, knowing that practice is already well ahead of theory. Through a literature review, a worldwide mapping exercise, study visits and a number of other activities we have gathered extensive data on different restorative approaches to SV, different possible outcomes, needs of victims and needs of offenders but also of the community etc. The data collected allows me to propose some avenues for future reflection on the topic.

Author

• Estelle Zinsstag, LINC, University of Leuven (Belgium)