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Justice system shortchanges victims
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April 15, 2011
SFU criminologist Brenda Morrison says the controversy over the B.C. Review Board’s decision — now under review — to allow Allan Schoenborn escorted community visits highlights gaps in the justice system.
The expert on restorative justice says that the system shortchanges victims because “it is offender-focused, with crime being against the State/Crown/Regina. Victims, at best, become a witness to the crime and are given the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement.
“It’s also problematic that our system focuses on guilt/innocence and punishment. There is little room for healing; hence, the importance of a strong support network for victims of homicide.”
Morrison is co-captain of an SFU team in a fundraising campaign to create Vancouver’s first B.C. Victims of Homicide group.
Tomorrow is the last day of the federal justice department’s annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
Brenda Morrison, 778.782.7627; brendam@sfu.ca
The expert on restorative justice says that the system shortchanges victims because “it is offender-focused, with crime being against the State/Crown/Regina. Victims, at best, become a witness to the crime and are given the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement.
“It’s also problematic that our system focuses on guilt/innocence and punishment. There is little room for healing; hence, the importance of a strong support network for victims of homicide.”
Morrison is co-captain of an SFU team in a fundraising campaign to create Vancouver’s first B.C. Victims of Homicide group.
Tomorrow is the last day of the federal justice department’s annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
Brenda Morrison, 778.782.7627; brendam@sfu.ca