Restorative Justice as a Response to Sexual Violence in England and Wales
摘要
Sexual violence is a pervasive global issue that transcends age, race, ethnicity, and nationality, with its roots deeply embedded in power dynamics related to gender inequality. Despite widespread recognition of the problem, rates of sexual violence have remained persistently high, with an estimated one in three women worldwide—approximately 736 million—experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (World Health Organisation, 2021). Many victims choose not to report sexual violence, rendering it an often-hidden crime, and for those who engage with the criminal justice system, the process can be profoundly retraumatizing. While restorative justice (RJ) has been widely acknowledged as an effective response to crime, its application in cases of sexual violence remains highly contested, with concerns about potential revictimisation and retraumatization. This chapter critically examines the role of restorative justice in responding to sexual offending, exploring both its risks and potential benefits. It argues that, despite the controversy, restorative justice can offer a meaningful avenue for victims / survivors and people who have offended to address the harm caused by sexual violence, providing an alternative or complementary pathway to traditional criminal justice responses.