The Impact of Restorative Justice Programs on Preventing Child Victimization in Iranian and English Law

Abstract

In recent decades, the growing attention to children’s rights and the necessity of protecting them against victimization have highlighted the need to reconsider traditional approaches to criminal justice. Restorative justice, as a modern and human-centered approach, seeks to remedy harm, restore social relationships, and rehabilitate individuals through the active participation of victims, offenders, and the community. This approach is particularly significant in cases involving child victims, who are characterized by heightened psychological and social vulnerability. The present study aims to examine the impact of restorative justice programs on the prevention of child victimization within the legal systems of Iran and England. The necessity of this research stems from the absence of comprehensive protective and rehabilitative approaches in traditional criminal justice systems, as well as the need to adapt successful experiences from other countries to the specific legal and social conditions of Iran. The research employs a descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology. Using library-based sources and examining legal documents and practical cases, the restorative justice systems of the two countries are analyzed. The findings indicate that restorative justice programs, including mediation, restorative circles, and family group conferences, can reduce the psychological and social harms experienced by children, enhance their sense of security, reduce recidivism rates, and increase family and community participation in the justice process by emphasizing the restoration of relationships, accountability, and reparation for harm. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of Iran and England demonstrates that the English legal system, through the application of modern restorative models, extensive professional training, and coherent support structures, has established more favorable conditions for the effective implementation of restorative justice in matters involving children. In contrast, the Iranian legal system continues to face challenges such as inadequate institutional coordination and a shortage of specialized infrastructure.