Restorative Justice

One of the greatest challenges that we face in South Africa today is the increase in violent and petty crimes. Every day we read in the newspapers, see on the TV and even experience personally the reality of crime. The vast majority of offenders come from dysfunctional families, where they seldom experienced parental love, guidance and support from their early childhood years. Ninety percent of offenders had no father figure as a role model. Social problems like unemployment, poverty, lack of education and abusive environments contribute to high levels of crime.

There is Global acknowledgement of the fact that Restorative Justice alone cannot heal the wounds of crime. This system sentenced those found guilty of crime to a period of incarceration as punishment for their crimes. The system had a strong element of retribution for the harm that was done. The focus was on the Law that was broken and the punishment that the offender deserved.

Restorative Justice on the other hand focuses on those who have been hurt by the crime and seeks restoration and healing of all relationships. According to Mike Batley “Restorative Justice is about addressing the hurts and the needs of both offender and victim in such a way that both parties, as well as the communities, which they are part of, are healed.” Restorative Justice incorporates everyone involved to seek healing in relationships through forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration.

The program can be very challenging as offenders are invited to make an inward journey into their hearts and to see themselves in the mirror of God’s Word. Participants look at the different responses to crime, the harm it causes and what it means to take personal responsibility. They explore the steps they need to take in order to repent and to do something about the hurt they have caused to others. They grow in understanding the importance of forgiving themselves and they experience liberation through the healing of relationships and also learn that God forgives and restores.

In evaluating the program one participant wrote, “the power of sharing with others is really amazing”. That is what the program is all about – a sense of healing through sharing. Everyone shared and even though they come from a completely different background from myself, it is very moving to see how relatable our stories are. The stories may differ but the feelings and the emotions are the same. We all experience love, joy, pain and hurt because we are all human.”

#RJ