Advocates argue restorative justice has great potential to help sexual violence victims in Australia to heal

Wendy, who was sexually abused by her father at 14, sought closure through restorative justice, which is gaining attention in Australia as a way to address sexual violence. After a face-to-face meeting where her father admitted the abuse and apologized, Wendy felt a significant emotional lift, highlighting the importance of acknowledgment and validation for victims. While restorative justice offers an alternative for those hesitant to engage with the traditional justice system, critics argue it risks trivializing sexual violence, necessitating careful regulation and consideration alongside other crimes.