ABSTRACT
Without a clear understanding of who did what to whom and when, facilitators leave the door open for re-victimisation of those affected, and the possibility of unfair treatment of perpetrators. For some students, who may be at the end of a long series of difficulties of this nature, it might be necessary to include a clause in the agreement about what will happen if there is a repeat of the behaviour. The certainty of follow-up has proved to be very effective in restorative processes. It is a difficult concept for some adults and children to accept that wrongdoers have needs and may have suffered injuries themselves from bullying incidents – that they too may need healing and that they deserve fair process from us. The shift in focus from behaviour to attitude is helpful when students are reluctant to accept responsibility or lie about their part in the incident and may refuse to cooperate or participate in the healing process.
