I have been a volunteer with CJI’s Revive program for over 14 years. The program supports women, men, and youth over 18, who are impacted by sexual trauma through education and peer support groups and one-to-one services. CJI also offers services for partners, families, and communities impacted by sexual harm. As a volunteer, I have worked with people, who are survivors of sexual abuse and those, who have offended sexually.

I am a strong believer in Restorative Justice but, I also understand that the path to Restorative Justice is only possible when a community works together to build broken relationships. For any conflict to be resolved, we need to have conversations rather than resort to harsh punishments.

The most rewarding part of my work is the life lessons that I have learned from people I have worked with – accepting people for who they are and seeing the other side of the story, which we usually fail to acknowledge.

Restorative Justice is important for the prevention of future harm, healing from past trauma, and stopping the cycle of harm.

I have seen the impact of RJ on people I have worked with, which includes healing changes that come with the understanding of the whys of their past behavior, the knowledge of the effects on their victims, and support of their peers.