Interesting read on how things might be different. Interestingly, sexual violence is one area that even some RJ practitioners struggle to work in. How do you bring those experiencing harm face to face with those who are the cause of it? Why is it harder?
"I wanted what Ana María Archila Gualy, the survivor who
confronted Sen. Jeff Flake when he stated he planned to vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, described: 'The way that justice works is that you recognize harm, you take responsibility for it, and then you begin to repair it.'
But for this to happen, everyone impacted by sexual violence needs to feel they can speak openly. Expulsion hearings, tribunals, or courts of law are not designed to do this; rather, these forums disincentivize truth-telling because those who harmed us know they’ll be punished if they admit what really happened. The risks are also high for survivors, who face social stigma for coming forward about their experiences and are often forced to undergo painful questioning."
(Emphasis mine.)
