The Case for Vicarious Restorative Justice
by Alissa Ackerman, PhD, and Jill Levenson, PhD
Vicarious restorative justice (VRJ) is a practice that allows individuals who have experienced sexual harm to sit face to face with individuals who have perpetrated it. The concept of VRJ is not new, but it has not been utilized for healing from sexual trauma until recently.
Healing from Sexual Violence explains what vicarious restorative justice is and how it promotes healing without retraumatizing people. It provides a solid framework for incorporating VRJ into clinical practices and communities with material on using trauma-informed approaches.
The authors include real-life examples of the power of VRJ, including their own personal stories.
Early Praise
Click the text to read the full quote.
- Restorative Justice and Building Connection
What is Restorative Justice?
Use of Restorative Justice with Sex Crimes
A Change in Dialogue?
- Making the Case for Vicarious Restorative Justice
The Case for Vicarious Restorative Justice
- The Effects of Sexual Violence Disconnection
Summary and Conclusions
- Sexual Violence and Disconnection
The Etiology of Sexual Offending
Current Sex Crimes Policies
Summary and Conclusion
- Fostering Accountability
Changing the Dialogue
Understanding the Needs of Survivors
Understanding the Needs of Individuals Who Have Sexually Offended
Sex Crimes Policies Ignore the Needs of Families
- Using Vicarious Restorative Justice in Clinical Practice
Conceptualization of VRJ
Preparing Survivors of Sexual Trauma
Preparing Offending Clients for VRJ Sessions
- Case Studies
Case Study 1: Jerry
Case Study 2: Brad
Case Study 3: Bobby
- Reflections on Vicarious Restorative Justice
Safer Society Press Podcast

As a survivor of sexual violence herself, Alissa uses her personal experience and her professional expertise to bridge connections between individuals who have experienced sexual victimization and individuals who have perpetrated it.
Listen to Safer Society Press Podcast featuring Dr. Ackerman who discusses vicarious restorative justice with sexual abusers.
Jill is a widely known expert on the subject of adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care.
Listen to the Safer Society Press Podcast featuring Dr. Levenson who discusses how trauma-informed care should be viewed not as a treatment approach but rather as a framework for the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders.
