ABSTRACT
This chapter critically evaluates the arguments about the use of a restorative justice model for domestic violence cases and proposes specific protocols which we believe should be implemented in the very limited number of domestic violence situations for which restorative justice may be applicable. In devising the Hamilton restorative justice programme, two existing models were considered, namely victim-offender mediation and the Family Group Conference model. The victim-offender mediation process involves the victim and the offender taking part in a face-to-face meeting. The Family Group Conference (FGC) model was the second approach considered by Waikato Mediation Services in the formulation of its restorative justice protocols. The process being trialed in Hamilton is a hybrid one based primarily on the victim-offender mediation approach but incorporating elements of the Family Group Conference model. Through the use of community group conferences, the communities of victims and offenders can be mobilised to provide support for dealing with the consequences of violence.
