Effects of Restorative Justice on Survivors of Sexual Assault and IPV: A Systematic Review

• In Event: The Aftermath of Sexual Violence: Treatment, Healing, Transformation?

Abstract

Objective: There is much contention regarding the appropriateness of Restorative Justice (RJ) for addressing harms caused by sexual assault (SA) and intimate partner violence (IPV). Proponents of RJ believe that its victim-centered approach can be empowering whereas critics argue that face-to-face interactions between harmed and responsible parties may revictimize survivors.

Method: This project is a systematic review of research examining outcomes of RJ practices applied to SA and/or IPV cases. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were eligible as long as they reported one outcome for harmed and/or responsible parties. Eligible studies must have reported SA or IPV between similarly-aged harmed and responsible parties. Studies addressing adult-perpetrated violence against children were ineligible.

Results: A systematic search for published and unpublished research yielded approximately 7,300 unique reports. Abstracts and full-text reports were double-screened, with 11 independent studies disseminated through 15 reports between 2004 and 2023 meeting eligibility criteria. Most studies were quantitative, with approximately three-fourths examining outcomes among responsible parties and approximately one-half examining outcomes among harmed parties.

Conclusion: Despite RJ being victim-centered, there is little empirical research examining its outcomes among survivors of SA and IPV. More research is needed before we can understand the impact of this practice among survivors.

Authors

• Heather Hensman Kettrey, Clemson University

• Noah S. Reynolds, Clemson University