Facing Violence: The Path of Restorative Justice and Dialogue

Can restorative justice be effective in cases involving the most serious violent crime? The authors of Facing Violence evaluate pioneering programs in Texas and Ohio that employ mediation/dialogue techniques in homicide, rape, and other cases involving extreme violence. Their findings document the positive impact that these programs have had not only on the lives of victims and offenders, but also on restitution payments, recidivism, and costs. They also offer research-based policy and practice guidelines to aid program planners.

Mark S. Umbreit, Ph.D., is a Professor and founding Director of the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota, School of Social Work.

Betty Vos, Ph.D., and Robert B. Coates, Ph.D., are Senior Research Associates at the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking.

Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D., is a mental health administrator at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.