In a thought-provoking presentation at RJ World Online, Dr. Alexa Sardina and Dr. Alissa Ackerman shed light on their expertise in sex crimes policy and restorative practices, particularly when it comes to dealing with instances of sexual harm. As Assistant Professors at California State University Sacramento and Fullerton respectively, both scholars have been actively involved in utilizing vicarious restorative justice practices with individuals convicted of sexual offenses.
The central premise behind their work is that many perpetrators of sexual harm lack victim-specific empathy due to a lack of understanding or exposure to its consequences. By providing these offenders with an opportunity to learn about the true impact their actions have had on victims’ lives, they aim to reduce the likelihood of future offending by preventing them from discounting the trauma caused.
Drawing upon their personal experiences as “survivor scholars,” Drs. Sardina and Ackerman shared how engaging in vicarious restorative justice has profoundly influenced various aspects of their professional lives. These experiences include participating as “vicarious victims” alongside men undergoing sex offender treatment within communities, as well as incarcerated individuals serving time for other violent offenses.
Their involvement in restorative justice processes has not only shaped how they teach but also helped them navigate the complex dual roles they embody – that of dedicated researchers specializing in sex crimes while being public rape survivors themselves. Furthermore, these encounters have significantly impacted the trajectory and focus areas within their research endeavors.
One key takeaway from this presentation was recognizing firsthand how empathy and forgiveness can be transformative forces capable of fostering healing among those who have committed acts causing significant harm. The power lies not just within educating offenders about victim perspectives but also in guiding them towards genuine remorse through meaningful interactions facilitated by trained professionals adept at navigating delicate conversations surrounding such sensitive topics.
By embracing a holistic approach encompassing social justice principles along with restorative justice practices, Drs. Sardina and Ackerman advocate for a more comprehensive response to sexual harm within our society. Their work serves as an inspiration to explore innovative methods that prioritize the needs of survivors while simultaneously encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions.
The presentation delivered by Dr. Alexa Sardina and Dr. Alissa Ackerman at RJ World Online shed light on the potential of vicarious restorative justice in addressing sexual harm effectively. Through their unique perspective as both researchers and public rape survivors, they have demonstrated how empathy and forgiveness can play pivotal roles in transforming lives impacted by such offenses. As we continue striving towards creating safer communities, it is crucial that we embrace these progressive approaches guided by compassion and understanding while holding individuals accountable for their actions through education rather than perpetuating cycles of violence or exclusionary punishment systems alone.
