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A widely acknowledged conundrum in elder abuse prevention is that many victims want the abuse to stop - but are unwilling to take steps professionals deem necessary to make that happen. Frustrated protective service workers have labeled these victims "reluctant" or "resistant" and addressed the problem as a clinical matter. They have hosted forums and written articles on how to persuade victims to accept help or determine when coercive or involuntary measures are merited. They have debated the legal and ethical implications of acting - or not acting. Far less attention, unfortunately, has been paid to understanding what victims do want, which, for many, is to heal fractured relationships, recover losses, and restore trust.
A two-day symposium titled "Interdisciplinary Approaches to Elder Justice: Unlocking the Potential for Restorative Justice" was a notable first step in filling this void. Convened by the Syracuse University College of Law in October 2020, the event brought together thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners from many countries and disciplines to explore restorative approaches to preventing elder abuse.1 The event was especially timely, coming during the COVID pandemic, which has placed enormous strains on families, pitted people against each other for resources, and fueled distrust in public institutions, and the racial reckoning that has underscored glaring disparities in health care access and the criminal and civil justice systems. With feelings raw and distrust high, the need for restorative approaches that address the human emotions and needs associated with elder abuse are particularly great. So, too, is the need to appreciate the experiences of all parties affected by abuse and the diversity and interdependencies that shape their relationships.
What is restorative justice?
Restorative justice has been called a practice, a social movement, a framework of principles and values, and an ethos. Its aim is to right injustices, achieve reconciliation, repair relationships, and prevent further harm. Although it primarily seeks to help those who have been harmed, it humanizes those who have done the harm and challenges narratives about harm's causes. Truth-telling and respect are key. For some, it has spiritual dimensions linked to ancestral customs and values.
Specific practices associated with restorative justice vary but have some common features. They all generally assume that when victims, their families, offenders, social networks, and members...