Ontario Urged to Expand Restorative Justice for Sexual Violence Cases
A significant new report is calling for the province of Ontario to permit the use of restorative justice processes in criminal cases involving sexual offences. The recommendation, if adopted, would mark a substantial shift in how the justice system approaches these deeply personal and traumatic crimes.
The report, released on November 27, 2025, advocates for a more survivor-centric approach to justice. Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour through cooperative processes that include all stakeholders, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
How Restorative Justice Would Work for Survivors
Under a restorative model, qualified facilitators would bring together the survivor of a sexual offence and the person who caused the harm, but only with the fully informed and voluntary consent of the survivor. This process is fundamentally different from the traditional court system, as it prioritizes the healing and agency of the person who was harmed.
The goal is to provide a path for survivors to directly address the person who harmed them, express the full impact of the crime, and seek answers to questions that a conventional trial might not provide. For the person who caused the harm, it is an opportunity to take direct responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences.
Potential Impact on Ontario's Justice System
This proposal could transform the legal landscape for handling sexual violence in Ontario. Proponents argue that the current adversarial court system often re-traumatizes survivors and fails to address their need for closure and healing.
If implemented, this approach would offer an alternative pathway to justice, one that is not meant to replace the traditional court system but to exist alongside it as an option for survivors. The report emphasizes that any restorative process must be carefully managed by trained professionals to ensure it is safe and voluntary for all participants.
The push for restorative justice in cases of sexual violence reflects a growing recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach to justice may not serve the complex needs of survivors. This Ontario-focused report adds to a national and international conversation about reforming how legal systems respond to sexual offences.
