This chapter examines the use of marae restorative justice by Māori in sexual abuse cases. Restoration, healing and reconciling are the principles of marae justice. Restorative justice places the blame for the offender on the perpetrator, and the shame experienced by the offender is a strong punishment in Māori society. As opposed to Pākehā models of criminal justice, marae justice is based on healing for the victim, the whānau/family and the perpetrator. Case studies are used to illustrate the process of marae restorative justice, including an example of a Māori woman sexually abused by three of her brothers, and another at the hands of her stepfather. A preliminary evaluation shows the marae restorative justice process is working in lowering recidivism rates.

In G. Johnstone (Ed.) A restorative justice reader : texts, sources context, 2003 : 152-157