Collapsing the criminal labels of domestic violence: A social and restorative justice approach

This ebook addresses the sensitive and controversial topic of using restorative justice in cases of domestic violence. Through an evidence-based manner, it purports to bring forward new insights and reflections acquired through recent fieldwork with victims, offenders and restorative justice practitioners. Most importantly, it makes firm assertions while recognising the need for caution and without disregarding potential opposing arguments.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 8

PROBLEM STATEMENT 8

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SOCIAL JUSTICE 11

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 12

DEFINITIONAL AGREEMENTS 17

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 17

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE 18

VICTIM 20

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN 20

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE UK 21

THE GENERAL PICTURE 21

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND KEY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES 24

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN THE UK 30

AN OVERVIEW 30

KEY PLAYERS 32

TRAINING AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE STANDARDS 33

FINANCING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 34

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 37

ACADEMIC AND POLITICAL COMMENTARY 37

CAN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE BE USED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES? 40

REDEFINING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE- RESTORATIVE JUSTICE VS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROCESS 41

UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 42

ON-GOING SUPPORT SERVICES, REHABILITATION AND DIALOGUE 43

REINTERGRATIVE SHAMING AND HEALING 44

NEW RESEARCH INSIGHTS AND FINDINGS 45

SOME NORMATIVE REFLECTIONS 47

LEARNING TO RECONCILE: THE TWO MODELS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 48

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS 51

BIBLIOGRAPHY