The CSJR restorative justice encounters

The CSJR organizes restorative justice meetings, in prisons and/or community settings, in the Greater Montreal area and in other regions of Quebec.

The meetings bring together people who have suffered or committed unrelated crimes, i.e. crimes of the same nature but not linked to the same event, as well as members of the community. The latter represent society, which can be both victim and accomplice to crime. It’s a question of dialogue, not mediation.

Three types of participants are invited to restorative justice meetings:

• People who have been victims of crime,
• People who have committed criminal acts
• Members of the community.

There are two types of restorative justice meetings:

• Face-to-Face, a meeting of 3 people (a person who has been the victim of a crime, a person who has committed a similar crime and a member of the community).
• Rencontres détenu-victime (RDV) group meetings – around 10 people (several people who have been victims of a crime, several people who have committed a crime and two community members).

These meetings are led by two volunteer facilitators, one male and one female, selected for their human and professional qualities. The services offered are free of charge.

Main objective: To create a space where victims and offenders can meet and express themselves freely.

Effects observed :

• Awareness of the impact of the crime; 
• Release of destructive emotions;
• Mutual understanding of opposing parties and reduction of prejudice.

You can read some testimonials on this site. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.