What is AB 60?
- AB 60 is a law that passed in 2023 and went into effect 2024.
- It gives a crime victim/survivor the right to be notified of the availability of community-based restorative justice programs and processes as early and as often as possible.
- This includes programs serving their community, county, county jails, juvenile detention facilities, and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
- The California Attorney General’s Office updated their Marsy’s Rights and Resource card to provide information about restorative justice.
- It does not require anyone to participate. It is a right to be notified and the victim/survivor can choose to participate.
What is Restorative Justice?
- Restorative justice is a process that attempts to repair the harm that was caused through a nonpunitive process. The process may involve the victim/survivor to share the impact of the harm that was caused and ask questions to the person that caused harm.
- It can encourage accountability from the individual(s) that caused harm.
- Restorative Justice is a practice rooted and developed from indigenous practices and is community-based.
What Does Restorative Justice Look Like?
There are various restorative justice practices. The following are some examples that may be available:
- Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) - This process involves a trained and neutral mediator that facilitates a voluntary and confidential meeting between the victim/survivor and the person(s) who caused harm. During this process the victim/survivor can share the impact of the crime, ask questions, and engage in dialogue with the person(s) that caused harm.
- Healing Circles - This is a structured and facilitated process that encourages group dialogue. It can involve the victim/survivor sharing their story and impact of the harm with a group of other survivors and community members. The outcome could be finding support, building community, and creating group solutions to the issues at hand.
- Victim Impact Panel (VIP) - A structured and facilitated process where survivors volunteer to share the impact of the harm with a group of people who have caused harm and convicted of a crime. The panel aims to encourage changes in behavior to prevent future harm, understand the impact of their actions and cultivate empathy.
What to Look for in a Restorative Justice Program
If you are interested in a Restorative Justice Program here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Do they provide services that are survivor centered and trauma informed?
- What steps do they take to reduce or prevent re-traumatization?
- What supportive services do they offer throughout the process?
- How does the program ensure physical and emotional safety for all involved?
- How does the program ensure respect and dignity for all involved?
- What qualifications or training does their staff have?
- Is it confidential?
- What is my role in this process? Can I change my mind at any time?
Need More Help?
Our Victim Advocates can assist victims of crime with information and resources regarding AB60 and victims’ rights under Marsy’s Law.
California Department of Justice Victim’s Services Unit
Phone Toll-free: (877) 433-9069
Contact Victims’ Service Unit
