Intimate partner abuse and the possibility of restorative justice in England: a kaleidoscopic justice analysis

The use of restorative justice in cases of intimate partner abuse is highly contentious. Whilst proponents highlight the potential in providing victim-survivors with a more relevant role and the opportunity of positive outcomes, such as closure and critics alerting to risks around the potential for revictimization and the perpetuation of abusive and controlling dynamics. This paper adds the voice of victim-survivors to the debate. Through a kaleidoscopic lens, it explores the possibility of RJ based on the criminal justice system experiences and justice needs of 26 victim-survivors in England. Victim-survivors’ experiences shed light on the potential ‘place’ of restorative justice, alongside the conventional justice system, as a more victim-centred approach.