The Restorative Justice Centre (RJC) is passionate about the value that restorative justice, conflict transformation and peacebuilding have for South Africa. Despite the high prevalence of violence in our country, the outrage and the call for harsher punishment, there are very low levels of reporting and very low conviction rates. So, it’s logical to explore other options which brings in restorative justice.

“We understand restorative justice as being part of the tradition of non-violence. This blend shapes our unique identity as a professional faith-based organisation,” said Mike Batley, CEO.

The RJC approach is inspired by a unique blend of perspectives from the Christian tradition and academic disciplines, as well as developments in the fields of conflict transformation, peace studies, criminology, social work and law.

RJC’s approach to GBV restorative mediation

With 25 years in existence, RJC has had a dedicated focus on GBV since 2020. The criteria for considering cases:

• Assess whether ‘intimate terrorism’ or ‘common couple violence’.
  • Whether both parties agree to the referral (no one should ever be coerced into participating in mediation).
  • Ensuring that the victim is safe.
  • Mental, emotional and physical health.
  • Tendency to self-harm and stated intentions or attempts at suicide.
  • Perceived and actual insecurity/self-blame.
  • Cultural differences and conflict arising from these.
  • Impact on other processes in progress or in place, such as court trials, and protection orders

Almost all clients choose to proceed with mediation. Typically, both parties, especially the victim, feel disempowered and without agency. The RJC’s intervention consists of individual interviews and mediation, with a comprehensive report co-signed by a social work supervisor sent to the probation officer if this is has been the source of referral. Matters can be referred from any source.

Other services and activities

As well as mediation, RJC offers

• Victim offender mediation at courts (pre-trial)
• Victim offender dialogue in corrections
• Restorative approaches at schools
• Workplace mediation

Training is also offered and the RJC engages in advocacy and lobbying, and participates in communication in the public discourse.

“We are convinced that restorative justice can help us address the progression from conflict to violence and to crime that we see so often,” said Mike.