NCJ Number
213317
Journal
Theoretical Criminology Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 125-138
Date Published
February 2006
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article reports findings from interviews of adult survivors of child sexual abuse in New Zealand examining their experiences with the abuse, its impact, and recommendations for changes to the criminal justice system, specifically the appeal and implications for restorative justice.
Abstract
Twenty-one adult survivors of child sexual abuse in New Zealand were not convinced that restorative justice would be effective for them, specifically in the process of reporting the victimization experienced as children to the police. However, it was seen as having a place in their recovery process combined with a complex emotional relationship with the offender. They described their experiences with the child abuse, its impact, and suggested changes to the criminal justice system that would provide them with a sense of justice. Programs addressing historical child sexual abuse need to accommodate the recovery process and the difficulties related to reporting close family members or friends. The results provide insight into the problems of seeking justice for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Restorative justice is a program widely used with juvenile offenders in New Zealand. However, it has taken a cautious start in the arena of adults. References