Researchers from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice have contributed to a new film that explores how a restorative approach can promote healing and learning following an episode of healthcare harm.
In a restorative process the people affected by a harmful event come together in a safe, supportive environment to talk openly about what has happened, and the impact it has had on their lives, before deciding together on the actions that will best restore wellbeing, relationships, and trust, and prevent further harm. Values such as respectful listening and communication, truthfulness, accountability, empowerment, and equal concern are central to the approach.
Jo Wailling, who leads the health work at the Diana Unwin Chair, also known as the Centre for restorative theory and practice (the Centre), says that although current investigative approaches are well intentioned, they can be lengthy and focus on letter writing and expert opinion. This approach keeps people apart and can compound the experience of harm.
“We can heal from a harmful event when we are able to restore our wellbeing, relationships, and trust. A restorative approach is fundamentally relational in nature and offers the opportunity for healing, alongside learning from harm.
Read article and watch the video at the Victoria University of Wellington: Click Here