ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the debate around defining restorative justice. It discusses some of the main theoretical traditions that might explain what restorative justice can offer victims. The chapter reviews some of the empirical work on how victims around the world have experienced restorative justice. It also reviews some of the most robust and well-replicated research on procedural aspects and restorative outcomes for victims, focusing on the role of apology and forgiveness. The chapter draws on these two large and interconnected research projects that compare victims who were randomly assigned to participate in restorative justice to those whose cases were processed in the courts. There are important differences between restorative justice encounters and other forms of victim narrative, for instance the use of Victim Personal Statements at the sentencing stage of the criminal process. Finally, the chapter discusses some of the challenges for victims and restorative justice, particularly in the current policy climate in England and Wales.
