Restorative Justice As A Victim-Centric Paradigm: A Contemporary Analysis Under Victimology
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1 min read
Sornalakshmi V S, The Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
ABSTRACT
Restorative justice is a significant paradigm shift and one fundamentally important for the field of contemporary criminal justice systems, shifting from the retributive approach that has defined justice through a model centred around perpetrators and the state, to an approach with victims at the forefront of justice. Restorative justice is rooted in the principles of victimology and aims to repair harm, maintain accountability, and re- establish relationships through participatory methods, such as victim– offender mediation, conferencing, and community-based reparative strategies.
This article presents an update on restorative justice as a victim-oriented model of justice, drawing upon its theoretical foundations, procedural models, opportunities and limitations from the point of view of victim rights and empowerment. It reviews how restorative justice approaches victims of emotional, psychological as well as socio-economic damage in correlation with emerging trends in India and comparative jurisdictions, and how far restorative justice is embedded into the system.
The article shows that restorative justice provides a truly transformative and holistic method for increasing victims’ voices and a more humane and inclusive justice system when integrated with necessary protections.
Keywords: Restorative Justice; Victimology; Victim Rights; Reparative Justice; Victim–Offender Mediation; Community Conferencing; Victim Participation; Criminal Justice Reform; Accountability; Victim-Centric Approaches.
