Ombudsman for Victims of Crime Marks Restorative Justice Week

Press Release

November 21, 2016 – HALIFAX (Nova Scotia) – Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

Canada’s Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Sue O’Sullivan, is in Halifax to participate in the 2016 Restorative Justice Week symposium November 21-22. Hosted by the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice and Dalhousie University, the two-day symposium provides an opportunity for practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the potential of restorative justice to improve outcomes for victims and offenders.

Restorative justice can offer victims the chance to express how the trauma has affected their lives, and to ask questions, while at the same time providing offenders with insight into the consequences of their actions.

Quick facts¹

• Restorative justice is a philosophy and an approach that views crime and conflict as harm done to people and relationships.
• It is a non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that emphasizes healing in victims, accountability of offenders, and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities.
• The goal is to reach meaningful, satisfying, and fair outcomes through inclusion, open communication, and truth.

“I am always interested in initiatives and solutions that consider victims’ needs and support them in their journey,” said Ms. O’Sullivan. “Victims should be provided with a variety of options to assist them face their new realities and for some, restorative justice can be a valuable experience.”

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime helps victims to address their needs, promotes their interests and makes recommendations to the federal government on issues that affect victims.

Additional links

• Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime http://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca

Media contact:
Christina McDonald
Telephone: 613-957-4681
Email: christina.mcdonald@ombudsman.gc.ca

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