Manual for Engaging in Restorative Justice and Circle Meetings

Restorative justice (RJ) is a transformative approach aimed at addressing harm, promoting healing, and rebuilding trust within communities impacted by sexual abuse. Circle meetings are a central practice within RJ, providing a safe and structured space for open dialogue among those affected. This manual provides a trauma-informed step-by-step guide for facilitators, participants, and support personnel to engage in RJ ethically and effectively.

The practice of RJ is guided by four basic questions:

1. Who has been harmed?
2. What needs do they have?
3. Who shares the responsibility to address the needs, to repair the harm, and to restore relationships?
4. What is needed to restore wholeness to the community?