Restorative Justice

“Violence is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding: it seeks to annihilate rather than convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.” ~ Rev./Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

EMIR recognizes crime as more than breaking the law, it harms relationships and communities.

Our restorative program seeks to intentionally address and discuss the needs of the community as well as to build healthier relationships. Resolving conflict is one the most important aspects of this program as we seek to reduce and prevent violent behavior through a trauma-informed lens.

The NorthWest Restorative Hub is a collective of community groups working to build healthier neighborhoods. EMIR understands that violence occurring in the community is often a byproduct of oppressive forces and systems outside our communities. We also acknowledge that some solutions and methods of accountability need to come from within, this makes it restorative.