Harm & Conflict:
Survivors
For Survivors of Harm
A Survivor-Centered Approach to Healing
At the Restorative Justice Institute of Maine, we believe that survivors deserve to have their voices heard, their experiences validated, and their needs met. Our survivor-centered approach prioritizes your healing journey and gives you control over the process.
How Restorative Justice Can Support Survivors
For many survivors, traditional justice systems don't provide the answers, healing, or closure they need. Restorative justice offers an alternative or complementary path that:
Centers your voice and experience
Allows you to ask questions and express impacts
Provides a safe, facilitated space for dialogue
Focuses on healing rather than punishment
Gives you control over the process
Helps repair harm in ways meaningful to you
Our Services for Survivors
Individual Support
One-on-one meetings with trained facilitators who can help you explore your needs, answer questions about restorative options, and connect you with additional resources.
Facilitated Dialogues
If you choose, we can facilitate communication between you and the person who caused harm. This happens only with your full consent, extensive preparation, and ongoing support.
Vicarious Restorative Justice
For some survivors, meeting with the specific person who harmed them isn't possible or desired. Vicarious restorative justice brings survivors together with people who have caused similar harms (but not their own specific offenders) for healing dialogue.
Our Commitments to Survivors
Safety First: Your physical and emotional safety is our priority
Voluntary Participation: All participation is 100% voluntary
Trauma-Informed Approach: Our processes are designed with an understanding of trauma
Confidentiality: Your privacy will be respected
No Pressure: We will never pressure you to forgive or reconcile
Ongoing Support: We provide support before, during, and after any process
Common Questions from Survivors
"Will I have to meet with the person who harmed me?"
No. Meeting with the person who caused harm is completely optional. Many survivors benefit from our services without ever participating in a direct dialogue.
"What if I start the process and change my mind?"
You can stop at any time. The process moves at your pace and only continues with your ongoing consent.
"Will this replace the criminal justice process?"
Restorative justice can work alongside the criminal justice system or as an alternative, depending on your situation and choices. We can discuss how these options interact in your specific circumstances.
"How do I know if I'm ready for this?"
There's no single way to determine readiness. Our facilitators can help you explore this question and find the right timing and approach for your unique journey.
Is This Right for Me?
Restorative justice isn't right for every survivor or every situation. We offer free consultations to help you determine if our services might be helpful for your specific circumstances.
Contact Us
To learn more about our survivor services or to schedule a confidential conversation:
Phone: (207) 504-5134
Email: info@rjimaine.org
All inquiries are confidential and come with no obligation to participate in any process.
