TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) announced that VIVA’s Office of Trial and Criminal Justice Process (OTCJP) has partnered with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) to launch a community education initiative aimed at increasing the public’s understanding of restorative justice principles.

Restorative justice strategies focus on allowing survivors of violence to participate in the resolution process, emphasizing healing and accountability needed to achieve better outcomes for both survivors and individuals who have caused harm. Governor Phil Murphy previously enacted P.L. 2021, c.60, providing an opportunity for the Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS) to implement a statewide restorative justice pilot program for sexual assault survivors. Integral to this initiative, VIVA – created by Attorney General Platkin through a directive in 2022 and codified in 2023 – has collaborated with the NJOPD to educate the community on restorative justice and develop strategies to enhance the effectiveness of this important approach.

“The residents of New Jersey have never been safer, and that is because of our collaborative and comprehensive approach to public safety and violence intervention. Our restorative justice initiatives are critical tools that promote safety, healing, and accountability,” said Attorney General Platkin. “These public information sessions are providing important opportunities for residents to become knowledgeable about their options and for us to receive critical feedback as we transform the victim services landscape in New Jersey.”

“National data from the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) indicates that for every 1,000 sexual assaults, only 310 are reported to the police,” said Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director of VIVA. “This compels us to recognize that the traditional criminal justice system is just one pathway for healing and accountability, but it’s not one all victims and survivors wish to pursue. Increasing accessibility to restorative justice is an important part of our commitment to public safety innovation.”

“True justice extends beyond the courtroom; it includes the critical work of rebuilding relationships and restoring trust within our communities,” said Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti. “Restorative justice embodies a holistic approach that empowers both survivors and those who have caused harm. This collaborative process addresses the impact of wrongdoing while also fostering understanding and paving the way for rehabilitation, leading to better and stronger outcomes for us all.” 

“As we work to expand pathways to justice and healing, increasing New Jersey’s understanding of, and appreciation for, restorative practices is critical,” said Kara Webster, Director of VIVA’s Office of Trial and Criminal Justice Process. “The virtual education workshops we’re holding are essential opportunities for us to provide information and answer questions from colleagues, stakeholders, and community members. It’s incredibly exciting to be a part of this type of innovative approach to public safety.”

September and October sessions of the 60-minute virtual workshop, “Circles & Courtrooms: Reimagining Pathways to Justice and Healing,” were attended by roughly 75 multidisciplinary stakeholders representing victim and survivor advocates, prosecutors’ officers, public defenders, and community members. During these sessions, the panel discussed the history and principles of restorative justice; the legislation that created the Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program in New Jersey; common misperceptions and potential legal issues; and the victim’s role in defining and seeking justice in a restorative justice process.

The third and final scheduled workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 12. As VIVA and NJOPD continue their efforts to increase the community’s understanding of restorative justice, advocates, victim/survivor communities, and members of the public are invited to take a brief anonymous survey to help gauge New Jersey’s understanding of, and attitude towards, restorative justice.

Panelists for all sessions include:

• Erin Snyder, Acting Director, Office of Victim Support and Assistance, VIVA
• Kara Webster, Director, Office of Trial and Criminal Justice Process, VIVA
• Damon Venable, Community Affairs and Policy Specialist, NJOPD

Interested New Jerseyans are encouraged to take the survey and/or register for the upcoming virtual session by visiting: https://www.njoag.gov/viva-opd.

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The Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) serves as Attorney General Platkin’s lead entity for victim assistance and violence intervention and prevention services within the Department of Law and Public Safety. Among its range of responsibilities is creating a statewide infrastructure for victim assistance and violence intervention and prevention services, and supporting the development of new initiatives and strategies in those areas. VIVA provides resources and support to community-based organizations that offer these services and helps develop a statewide strategy for the growth and standardization of services.

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