ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the transcript of a panel discussion presented on June 2015 for the Canadian Domestic Violence Conference 4, among three strong proponents of developing a restorative justice response to domestic violence. Nuances in views among the three panelists are influenced by their backgrounds in the domestic violence field, legal system, and child protection work. The panel discussion also focused on the need not only for men to take responsibility for ensuring safety and respect and restoration but also investigating how the community can be helpful toward this end. A restorative process can create accountability through him creating a contract with those people he cares about. While the man may not care about disappointing strangers, such as a judge or probation officer, he might care about disappointing his mother or his in-laws. A restorative approach creates the possibility of listening to women who have experienced abuse.
