In a recent government meeting focused on restorative justice, a poignant discussion emerged surrounding the transformative power of empathy and understanding in addressing crime and its root causes. A case study was presented involving a young woman who had stolen a car but struggled to acknowledge the harm she caused due to her own traumatic experiences of being bullied at school.

During the restorative justice process, facilitators noted her difficulty in empathizing with the victim, which stemmed from her own feelings of neglect and pain. As she expressed her frustration—“Why should I care about how she felt when nobody gave a f*** about me when I was getting jumped at school every day?”—it became clear that her past trauma was a significant barrier to her ability to connect with the victim's experience.

The facilitators emphasized the importance of addressing such underlying trauma to foster genuine understanding and healing. After several hours of discussion focused on her experiences, the young woman was able to shift her perspective and engage with the victim's story. This deep, relational work is a hallmark of restorative justice, which aims not only to hold individuals accountable but also to facilitate personal growth and community reintegration.

The meeting highlighted the success of restorative justice programs, noting a recidivism rate of less than 5% among participants. The young woman in the case study eventually secured employment and repaid the victim $1,000, demonstrating the potential for positive outcomes when individuals are given the opportunity to confront their past and make amends.

Howard Zayer, a prominent figure in restorative justice, was quoted, emphasizing the need to re-narrate personal stories from shame to dignity. This approach not only aids those who have caused harm but also supports victims in their healing journey, fostering a sense of belonging and community resilience. The discussions underscored the critical need for innovative responses to crime that prioritize empathy and understanding, paving the way for transformative change.