Which term best describes the process of repairing harm by addressing the needs of victims, offenders, and communities?

• A. Diversion
• B. Rehabilitation
• C. Restorative Justice
• D. Community Intervention

Answer: (C)

Restorative Justice focuses on repairing harm by bringing together victims, offenders, and communities to address the impact, acknowledge accountability, and agree on actions to repair what was damaged. This approach fits best because it centers the needs of those affected and seeks to restore relationships and safety, not just punish the offender. In practice, it can involve victim–offender mediation or restorative conferences, where the offender confronts the harm, takes responsibility, and makes amends. Diversion aims to move cases away from formal processing, but doesn’t inherently repair harm or involve victims in a restorative process. Rehabilitation concentrates on changing the offender’s behavior without necessarily addressing the victims’ needs or the broader community impact. Community intervention is broader and may include services, yet it doesn’t inherently integrate a structured process focused on repair through dialogue and accountability.