ABSTRACT
This chapter examines restorative justice literature and research in order to assess an assumption and to analyses the extent to which the victim is really at the centre of the restorative justice intervention. For this, the chapter examines to what extent victims come into the picture within restorative justice literature and subsequently people study evaluations of restorative justice programmes in order to assess to what extent practice fits theory. Looking at the history of both restorative justice and the victimological movement, one can see some parallels. Both were developed out of a concern for the victims, realizing there was a lack of support. Academics and practitioners have repeatedly emphasized the victim-centrality of restorative justice. Restorative justice should promote the involvement of victims, offenders and those connected to them in the decision-making process thereby avoiding any type of domination. Restorative justice can also constitute a source of empowerment for victims of crime.
