Restorative justice is a specialized approach within criminology that prioritizes the repair of harm caused by criminal activity. Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures, this method encourages a dialogue between the victim and the offender to address the underlying impact of the offense.
The primary objective for the offender is to accept personal responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences of their behavior, which serves to discourage recidivism. For the victim, the process is designed to provide an active voice, helping to alleviate feelings of powerlessness and anxiety that often follow victimization. This framework functions as a complement to traditional retributive justice systems.