Healing Through Acknowledgment: The Role of Naturalistic Restorative Justice and Twentieth Century Genocide Recovery

• In Event: Historical Perspectives on Victimization

Abstract

This paper examines the naturalistic application of restorative principles by survivors of the Holocaust, Cambodian Genocide, and Rwandan Genocide, highlighting the importance of acknowledgment in the healing process. It discusses the historical context of these genocides, the timeline of restorative justice practices, and the case studies of victim-offender interactions. Restorative justice, which contrasts with retributive justice, aims to bring offenders, victims, and communities together to address harm and facilitate healing through inclusion, encounter, amends, and forgiveness. The paper concludes that while restorative justice practices were formally established after the Cambodian Genocide, naturalistic healing methods have been evident throughout these case studies, demonstrating the need for acknowledgment and understanding to achieve reconciliation and lasting peace.

Author

• Julia Rose Swirbalus, Bridgewater State University