Theoretical Criminology 10(1) 2006 : 125-138

This article presents the thematic findings of a study undertaken with adult survivors of child sexual abuse and their experiences of restorative justice. Material was drawn from participant-observation at self-help groups, focus groups and interviews with a sample of adults who had previously discussed childhood sexual abuse. The author provides a brief outline of the implementation of restorative justice in New Zealand since 1995, and discusses the limitations of the use of restorative justice within the context of domestic violence. The difficulties of reporting historical cases where an offender is known and may have an ongoing relationship with the victim (often a family member or friend) is raised - along with a lack of trust in the wider 'community' who may have condoned the abuse in the first place. Participants in the study expressed a lack of confidence in the traditional justice system and spoke of a need for justice to incorporate a safe environment to tell their story, along with more responsibility, accountability, validation, equality and fairness. The author suggests a study with a larger number of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to address requirements for the establishment of programmes to address restorative justice in this area.

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