The Province has proclaimed Nov. 17 - 24 Restorative Justice Week in B.C. to recognize the critical role restorative justice plays in preventing crime, helping victims feel safer, and connecting offenders with their communities. B.C. joins communities across the country to learn, educate, and celebrate under this year's theme - "Inspiring Innovation".

A restorative justice approach addresses the harm caused by crime through the involvement of victims, offenders, and communities. Typically this happens through a process that addresses victims' needs and holds offenders meaningfully accountable for their actions.

Approximately 50 community-based programs throughout B.C. accept about 1,400 referrals annually and staff and volunteers in this province devote more than 90,000 hours to restorative justice each year.

Through restorative justice, crime is understood not only as breaking the law but also as a violation of people and relationships, and as a disruption of community peace. It cultivates empathy, understanding, a sense of hopefulness and the ability to move forward.

More than two dozen studies show restorative justice increases public confidence in the justice system and supports high rates of victim satisfaction. Restorative justice also decreases rates of reoffending, particularly among young people and at-risk youth.

Quote:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"Restorative justice is a big part of how we're building safer communities in B.C. It can help people deal with crime's emotional impacts - feelings like confusion, remorse, fear, and guilt. We know this can allow some victims to transcend their negative experiences, and redirect their emotions and energy in new, positive directions."

Quick Facts:

• In B.C., restorative justice is most commonly used for offences such as mischief, assault, and theft. But, it can potentially be used for any crime where harm has occurred.
• Research indicates people participating in the process report high levels of victim satisfaction, increased confidence in the justice system, greater rates of agreement completion from offenders, and feeling safer and more connected to their communities.
• Some victims and community members choose to participate because they feel restorative justice is effective at ensuring an offender does not repeat harmful behaviour.

Learn More:

For an overview of restorative justice in B.C., see:
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/crimeprevention/justice/index.htm

Read the Restorative Justice Week proclamation:
http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2013%20Proclamations/procs/RestorativeJustice2013.htm

Restorative justice crime prevention booklet: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/crimeprevention/publications/docs/crime-prev-series3-restorative-justice.pdf

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602