Restorative justice and the rioters
How tragic it will be if, after easy identification via social media, the majority of the rioters are never held to account due to a backlog in the courts.
And, if prosecuted, will jail terms, fines or harsh punishment change their attitudes or make them better citizens? A more efficient and effective solution would be restorative justice.
In a restorative justice process, offender and victim meet face to face and share how they were affected, and what needs to happen to make things right. Offenders are made accountable and both victim and offender come up with an agreement to repair the harm. Often forgiveness is sought and given. Most offenders that participate follow through with their agreement, which may include restitution or community service, and don’t re-offend. This process can happen immediately and allows everyone to avoid costly legal fees.
In Vancouver’s case, it may have to happen in more general terms than matching offenders with their actual victims. But to allow a now sober and calm young adult to hear the terror from a family holed up in their restaurant while mobs attacked, or the fear and alarm of Bay workers trapped amidst crazed looters, the pain of broken ribs and fractured skulls by those who tried to intervene, or of the financial hardships, jobs and business lost would surely have an impact. It might just nurture the caring and empathy that was so sadly lacking on that Wednesday eve.
Cathie Makaroff
Victoria
