Beyond Harm

We have all been hurt by someone, in some cases very seriously. And we have all inflicted pain on someone else, even if it was unintended. The consequences have often been devastating, and continue to this day. We find ourselves ‘stuck’ in anger, fear, isolation, disbelief, bitterness, self-blame, denial, guilt, or shame. Our friends and family plead with us to ‘move on’ and ‘put the past behind us’. But it’s never that simple. There is no ‘magic wand’ that can instantly sweep away this kind of pain. So what can we do? How can we find some peace? Is it possible to heal from what has happened? Would some kind of punishment make a difference? Do we need to forgive? Would an apology help? How can we find a way out of this agonising hurt and negativity? Will it ever be possible to ‘make things right’? 'Beyond Harm' explores all of these questions, and offers a way forward. The first Part looks at what it means to be wronged, and why it hurts so much. It sets out an explanation for why we react to wrongdoing in the ways that we do, so many of which only cause us more suffering and pain. And it offers an alternative: a kind of ‘justice’ that can bring the healing and peace that we crave. This is a response that honours our moral values and acknowledges our common humanity. It is also evidence-based: it takes seriously how we actually think and feel about wrongdoing. The second Part builds on the first by exploring what it would take for this alternative to become a reality. It shows how it is possible to 'make things right' by using a tried and tested practice called 'restorative justice', and what is needed for this approach to be safe and effective.

Derek R. Brookes has worked in the field of restorative justice for over 20 years as a practitioner, researcher, trainer and consultant. He received a PhD in philosophy from the Australian National University.