Guiding Principles of Parallel Justice

Justice requires helping victims of crime rebuild their lives.
All victims deserve justice.
All victims should be presumed credible unless there is reason to believe otherwise.
Victims’ safety should be a top priority.
Victims should experience no further harm.
Victims’ rights should be implemented and enforced.
Victims should have opportunities to talk about their experiences and their needs.
Victims should be told that what happened to them was wrong, and that every effort will be made to help them rebuild their lives.
Victims’ needs should be addressed through a comprehensive, coordinated communal response.
Decisions about how to address victims’ needs should be based on sound information and research.

From Parallel Justice for Victims of Crime by Susan Herman