WELCOME
The Alberni Valley Restorative Justice Society (AVRJS) has operated in the Alberni Valley since 2001. The AVRJS is a non profit society and receives funding from the Federal Government and facility assistance from the City of Port Alberni.
WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
- It is an alternative to the courts
- It is a cornerstone for community healing based on Indigenous healing traditions
- It is a method to understanding that a crime is not simply breaking the law.
- It is a process for accountability and restoration involving the harmed, the accountable and the community.
BENEFITS OF A PEACE CIRCLE
- Genuine, human communication is expressed and heard.
- Common values are shared.
- Respect is established and relationships can improve
- Lasting benefits for participants and the community as the peace circle method of conflict resolution is carried beyond the original circle.
- Participants learn that they can talk through rather than fight through.
BENEFITS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
- For law enforcement, Restorative Justice is cost effective, timely and can reduce repeat offences.
- Those harmed have an opportunity to be heard, for closure and healing. And, the accountable has an opportunity for a true learning experience, no criminal record and restoration proportionate to the seriousness of the offense
- A restorative justice forum is recommended by the RCMP. The forum is held in a safe agreeable location
- Using a round circle setting and taking predictable turns talking, both the harmed and accountable along with supportive persons have an opportunity to speak to what lead up to the incident including how they were feeling/thinking at the time of the incident, and since. Also included is how others might have been affected.
- The parties then look at what might be done to repair the harm. After an agreement is reached a break takes place and an Agreement is written up and signed by all parties. A person is identified who will ensure the agreement is carried through.
- The length of time to complete the forum is relevant to the number of people present. Smaller groups of 5-8 can be completed in about an hour.