Restorative Justice for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

This book explores survivors’ experiences of sexual abuse, and their reflections on the sense of justice they feel, in order to inform the design of a programme of restorative justice services. By asking – does it have to be with the abuser? - this empirical research examines whether survivors of sexual abuse may wish to have a restorative justice process with those who cause them harm, other than their abusers – that is, with those who enable their abuse or the impact of it. This is an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), and extensive quotes from survivors are presented within the text. Three theoretical insights are reported: the complex, triangulated relationships of sexual abuse; the need for the act and the impact of abuse to be recognised and validated by others; and the role of narrative in survivors’ journey towards justice and healing, and how these are strengthened or challenged through the cycle of narrative development. Through an analytical commentary, these insights show how restorative justice processes with enablers of abuse may benefit survivors, as well as providing general information about sexual abuse, and combine to present the pyramid programme of restorative justice for survivors of sexual abuse. Best practice guidelines for the implementation of the programme are included. The book concludes by exploring what these radical propositions may mean for survivors, practitioners, and academics.