Restorative justice is a framework centered around repairing harm. It facilitates communication between those affected by a crime and those responsible and helps participants create a path forward. This approach is not new; it is inspired by many indigenous teachings. Communities across New York are working to resolve serious harms using restorative justice methods, and Erika is pushing this practice to the forefront of innovation.

 

Erika spent more than 10 years as a restorative justice practitioner, building programs in community centers and high-suspending schools and directing research on gender-based violence; before that, she was a prosecutor. Her focus areas — homicide, sexual harm, and domestic violence — are not commonly addressed through restorative justice. But through her work, she learned that taking on the toughest cases can create the greatest change.

 

Erika receives her referrals from both community-based organizations and legal system actors, such as District Attorney offices. For all cases, both the individuals impacted by the crime and those who caused the harm must agree to use restorative justice to proceed. After establishing a team of co-facilitators, Erika implements an independent process over many months. Gradually the participants come together to listen, take accountability, and begin the path of healing and moving forward.

 

Erika is on a mission to pilot complex, high-stakes cases to showcase the possibilities and limits of this intervention for New York City. Her vision is to transform New York into a city that prioritizes healing and accountability over silencing and punishment, offering opportunities for growth and safety for all involved, even in the toughest of crimes.