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Limerick Restorative Practices Project presents the ultimate ‘Meeting’

The film is screened as part of a series of events to promote Restorative Justice Week and is organised by the Limerick Restorative Practices and Le Cheile Mentoring Projects.

Limerick Restorative Practices Project presents the ultimate ‘Meeting’

 

As part of this year’s Restorative Justice, there will be a one-off screening of the critically acclaimed film The Meeting. The film is based on a real meeting which took place between Ailbhe Griffith and the man who, nine years earlier, subjected her to a horrific sexual assault and left her seriously injured and fearing for her life.


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Griffith, in an extraordinary move, has chosen to play herself in this unique drama from one of Ireland’s most provocative filmmakers, Alan Gilsenan. What emerges is a truly unique and unorthodox cinematic experience as Ailbhe courageously seeks healing through a progressive form of justice, rapidly gaining momentum throughout the world.

It will be followed by a Q&A session with Dr Marie Keenan, who was central to the story and who also played herself in the film.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour. It has its roots in places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has grown internationally since the 70s.

At the same time, it is really something quite ancient in that it views crime as something that affects the entire community and that the entire community needs to be involved in repairing – something that the state has taken increasing control of overtime.

 

How many times have we heard that victims have no place in the criminal justice system? Well RJ provides processes that have shown up to 90% satisfaction ratings for victims, where it has been employed.

Restorative Practice (RP) is something that has grown out of RJ and, while closely linked, places its primary focus on prevention, i.e. it enables people and communities to build positive relationships and thereby resolve difficulties and conflicts as they arise. It does this by using specific communication methods and techniques but again is nothing new really.

It’s about listening, empathy and doing things ‘with’ people as opposed to ‘to’ or ‘for’ people. It has the potential to support positive, nurturing, healthy environments for schools, workplaces, in the home and in the wider community.

Again research has shown that, where employed in schools, for example, the levels of detention, suspension and bullying incidents has fallen by well over 50% and more in some cases. And, most importantly of all, teachers and students report better relationships, which is the ultimate goal. 

UL Kemmy Business School, Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 pm – free entry through Eventbrite. 

For the ticket of ‘The Meeting’ click here.

For more stories on Restorative Justice click here. 

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.