Restorative justice focuses on the victim, the offender, and the __________.

Restorative justice is an approach that emphasizes healing and reconciliation among the victim, the offender, and the community. The inclusion of the community recognizes the broader impact of crime beyond just the victim and the offender. In this framework, the community plays a vital role in the justice process, as it can facilitate the restoration of relationships and support the healing of both the victim and the offender. This approach aims to foster accountability and promote community involvement in preventing future offenses, making it a holistic model for addressing crime.

The focus on the police department, judge, or the criminal justice system, while relevant to traditional legal processes, does not capture the essence of restorative justice, which seeks to rebuild communal ties and encourage active participation from all stakeholders involved in the aftermath of a crime. Thus, when considering the restorative justice framework, the community is an essential component that helps to bring about healing and resolution.