Restorative Justice, Institutional Failures, and Survivor Criminology
This webinar is for anyone with a professional or personal interest in RJ, sexual abuse, and survivor support. This could range from social workers, counselors, and legal professionals to community leaders and activists.
Sexual abuse remains a pervasive and deeply concerning issue that continues to impact individuals and communities worldwide. There has been a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and victim-centered approaches to address the harm caused by sexual violence. Among the most prominent approaches is Restorative Justice (RJ).
RJ addresses harm by focusing on repairing the damage caused by harmful actions rather than focusing solely on the punishment of wrongdoers. This method prioritizes the needs and voices of those who have been harmed while also holding those who abuse accountable through facilitated dialogues and community involvement. The ultimate goal is to foster accountability, empathy, and the restoration of dignity for all parties involved.
Dr. Alissa Ackerman has extensive experience working with RJ in faith-based organizations where sexual abuse has occurred. She has cofacilitated comprehensive processes with large churches, synagogues, and occasionally entire denominations to address the institutional betrayal and failures that have occurred.
In this webinar, Dr. Ackerman shares her experiences navigating the complexities of RJ in these challenging circumstances. She discusses how the field has grown while highlighting areas where gaps and opportunities for improvement remain. She then describes her work with Survivor Criminology, a trauma-informed approach to the study of crime and justice that stems from the lived experiences of crime survivors. Dr. Ackerman’s expertise in Survivor Criminology provides a unique perspective on addressing the needs and experiences of survivors within the criminal justice system.
Who's Presenting
Alissa Ackerman
Dr. Alissa R. Ackerman is a “pracademic” and “survivor scholar” who integrates her academic expertise, professional background, and personal encounters with sexual violence into her public engagements. She is the co-founder and proprietor of Ampersands Restorative Justice and serves as a Criminal Justice professor at California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Ackerman’s professional focus revolves around comprehending sexual offending, the repercussions of sexual victimization, and exploring restorative solutions for individuals affected by sexual harm.