ALBERNI valleY RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SOCIETY
Artwork by Geena Haiyupis
What is Restorative Justice?
Rooted in Indigenous traditions, Restorative Justice is a transformative approach to addressing crime and conflict that prioritizes healing over punishment. By bringing together offenders, victims, and the community, this method aims to repair harm, foster understanding, and rebuild relationships. This can provide a sense of closure while also promoting accountability and rehabilitation.
Benefits of Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice is a cost-effective and timely approach that has been shown to reduce repeat offences. This process provides those who have been harmed with the opportunity to be heard, find closure, and begin the healing process. Additionally, it offers the individual who caused harm a chance for deep learning, an alternative to a criminal record, and the opportunity to participate in a restoration process that is proportional to the seriousness of the offence.
During a Restorative Justice forum, which is held in a safe and agreeable location, participants sit in a round circle setting and take predictable turns speaking. This allows both the harmed and the person responsible for the harm, along with any supportive individuals, to discuss what led up to the incident, their thoughts and feelings at the time, and how they have been affected since. This approach fosters open communication and understanding among everyone involved.
Following the discussion, the participants work together to determine how the harm can be repaired. Once an agreement is reached, a formal document is prepared and signed by all parties. A designated individual is then assigned to ensure that the agreement is carried out effectively. Overall, Restorative Justice provides a structured and supportive environment to address the harm caused, find resolution, and move forward in a positive and constructive manner.
Restorative Justice in the Alberni Valley
The Alberni Valley Restorative Justice Society (AVRJS) has been in operation since 2001 as a non-profit organization. We are funded by the Federal Government and receive facility assistance from the City of Port Alberni. Our organization is dedicated to receiving and thoughtfully managing cases and conflicts from various referring sources, such as the R.C.M.P., B.C. & Federal Courts, B.C. Corrections, school districts, unions, and more. For further information, please use the contact page to reach out to us. Thank you for your interest in our work.
Testimonials
Circle Participant
Circle Participant
Circle Participant
"I must say that both my husband and I were skeptical that this would work, but I’m happy to say that we were pretty impressed at how well it turned out. I was glad that everyone was able to say how they felt and felt heard. It definitely felt lighter at the end."
Circle Participant
Circle Participant
Circle Participant
"The facilitators did a wonderful job of managing many distressed nervous systems for a positive outcome."