This is an international, research and policy project looking at the potential of restorative justice with "street group violence" such as riots. Through qualitative research analysis, policy development and campaigning, the project aims to explore alternative ways that can genuinely engage group offenders in helping to address the harm caused to group victims. IARS in partnership with the Centre for Restorative Justice, School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University (British Columbia, Canada) are the lead organisations.
In May 2012, Dr. Gavrielides present initial findings at the Bruce and Lis Welch Community Dialogue in Vancouver. This annual event is generously supported by the Bruce and Lis Welch Award, which is given to initiatives that engage the community at large to explore innovative approaches to local issues through dialogue. For a summary of the media coverage and the activities relating to this event click here
Dr. Gavrielides presentation for the Welch community Award on restorative justice and riots can be downloaded from here For more information contact IARS' Director, Dr. Theo Gavrielides.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In August 2011, 12 London areas and 66 other locations in England experienced looting, physical violence and damage, arson, theft and robbery. The riots across England lasted for five days in total. Five people lost their lives and hundreds more lost their businesses and homes. It is estimated that the total cost of the riots will be more than half a billion pounds. 13,000 - 15,000 people were actively involved in the riots. More than 4000 suspected rioters have been arrested.
In June 2011, Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) was faced with serious street disturbances and riots. Following the Boston Bruins win over the Vancouver Canucks for the Stanley Cup, angry funs caused criminal damages and group street violence. At least 140 people were reported as injured during the incident, one critically; at least four people were stabbed, nine police officers were injured, and 101 people were arrested that night, with 16 further arrests following the event. It is estimated that the total costs of the riots will be more than $5 million CAD.
There is a growing body of literature on the failings of imprisonment as a response to crime (e.g., Duff 1992; Bitel and Edgar 1998; Hagel 2005; Knuutila 2010). Local restorative justice practitioners, policy makers, business leaders, police, justice officials, municipal and provincial politicians and individuals impacted by the riots are now actively discussing implementing restorative justice in response to the Stanley Cup and England riots and more broadly throughout the justice system. Victims, communities and the public seek holistic solutions and alternatives.
WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
"Restorative Justice is an ethos with practical goals, among which is to restore harm by including affected parties in a (direct or indirect) encounter and a process of understanding through voluntary and honest dialogue. Restorative justice adopts a fresh approach to conflicts and their control, retaining at the same time certain rehabilitative goals" (Gavrielides 2007: 139)
PROJECT OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES
Through an international partnership, this multi-year programme aims to:
- create an evidence base through original research and case studies;
- increase public awareness of restorative justice and encourage a public debate about its potential for resolving riot cases such as those that occured in England and Vancouver;
- publish its findings through peer review journals, academic books and articles so as to enrich an under-developed research area;
- influence national and international policy;
- inform and influence practices and encourage institutions to consider alternative options, such as restorative justice, in the long lasting resolution of riot cases.
(DRAFT) PAPER ABSTRACT
Despite the impressive literature on restorative justice, the potential and indeed viability of its paradigm with street group violence, such as riots, remain largely unexplored. The financial, political and social implications that recent street group disturbances are having on governments across the world spark a new debate on the appropriateness of restorative approaches in relieving the overstretched criminal justice system. This paper uses the case study method to investigate four examples in India, Greece, Canada and England, where restorative justice is considered within the context of street group violence. Key issues are identified and recommendations are posited, as new policies, practices and research are being proposed in this grey area of restorative justice.
The project remains unfunded. For more information and how to support it or to get involved contact Dr. Theo Gavrielides To find out what other work IARS has carried out on the England riots visit the 99% Campaign website
