TALK TO THE ANIMALS

They call it ‘restorative justice’. Cynics, like me, call it ‘crime without punishment’. It’s the do-gooders, touch-feely idea to reform our already wobbly justice system by having violent criminals sit down with their victims to talk about their crimes and the effects of their violent behaviour. Such sessions would reduce, or even replace, their jail time.The ‘experts’ say it cuts re-offending.

In the past it’s only been used for juvenile offenders but now there’s an official proposal to extend it to adult crims.

The State Parliament’s Law Reform Committee recommended to Parliament yesterday that the restorative justice scheme be made available to violent adult offenders with the exception of sex offences and domestic violence.

Once again it’s all about the criminal and not about the victim. I believe if a victim wants to confront his or her attacker that’s one thing. Victim impact statements are now starting to be taken seriously but not often enough. And the rehabilitation of the victim should always take precedent over the rehabilitation of the attacker.

Not enough consideration is given by our courts to the physical, mental and even financial penalties that innocent people pay because of the violence and criminality of others.

At least, with this feelgood philosophy embraced by this Government and especially the Attorney General Robert Hulls, they haven’t gone as far as a program I witnessed in Hawaii some years ago.

I knew the mother of a molested child. The man was tried and jailed. But as part of his sentence, and his rehabilitation, she was ordered (by the court) to a series of meetings with him.

In fact, she told me how, along with half a dozen other parents of victims,  she was forced to attend a rehab barbecue for their children’s attackers. Lucky they didn’t let the fathers near the barbecue fork or the steak knives.

Another crime could have been committed.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

© Copyright Derryn Hinch 2009