What does restorative justice focus on?

Restorative justice focuses on rehabilitating offenders through reconciliation with victims. This approach seeks to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than simply enforcing punitive measures. It emphasizes understanding the impact of the offense on the victims, encouraging offenders to take accountability for their actions, and facilitating a dialogue between both parties. This process allows victims to gain closure and encourages offenders to recognize the consequences of their actions, ultimately aiming to reintegrate them into society as responsible individuals. This method contrasts with traditional punitive justice systems that prioritize punishment over healing and reconciliation.