What research has been conducted regarding the effectiveness of restorative justice processes?
• Research regarding the effectiveness of restorative justice to affect systemic change in the criminal justice system has been limited. • There have, however, been several important studies which have been conducted on specific restorative justice processes, such as victim-offender mediation and family group conferencing. • The research shows the following findings: • Victims who meet with their offenders are far more likely to be satisfied with the justice system’s response to their case that those who go though the normal justice process. • After meeting the offender, victims are significantly less fearful of being re-victimized. • Offenders who meet with their victim are far more likely to complete their restitution obligation to the victim. • Considerably fewer and less serious crimes are committed by offenders who meet their victim • Evaluation is an important focus of the Nova Scotia Program, and will measure outcomes such as repeat offending and victim satisfaction.
