Written by: Jess Woolrich
2min read
24 February 2026
There is a particular experience that I have heard shared during NVC trainings that I have attended, and it sticks with me.
Marshall Rosenberg was teaching a workshop in a Swedish prison – and noted a young man that was paying close attention to him, and that the same man rushed up to him at the end of the training. He thanked Marshall and remarked that if he had learned the same training three years ago, that he would not have had to kill his best friend.
The reason I mention this example, was because I felt shocked that someone could use such violence to express their unmet needs. Before this time I had not considered the use of NVC within the criminal justice system, with offenders.
This led me to explore more into the use of NVC within victim-offender mediation programs and consider the unmet needs behind criminal behaviour, and then wider, into the concept of NVC within restorative justice, and then onwards, into seeing where restorative justice principles are used.
To define restorative justice – it seeks to restore damage that is done, to all those involved. It is a shift, towards repair and healing, and away from blame and punishment. It is understandable that NVC has a place alongside restorative justice, it gives us a language and framework to connect, with ourselves and others, and move forwards after a rupture.
I recently delved back into the world of restorative justice, in the form of ‘Restorative Just Culture’ as a concept for repair after ruptures in relationship within the veterinary sector. It is not a surprise to me, that organisations would like to, and do imbed restorative justice within their systems, including schooling, healthcare, government and aviation to name a few.
What strikes me, is that there is such opportunity to support and create restorative justice, supported by NVC within our communities, increasing our understanding of each other, contributing towards caring for us all. It is likely we might have opportunity to use it weekly, if not daily! I realise, within my own family and social group I have the opportunity to show up authentically and support restorative practices too.
I am wondering if restorative justice calls out to anyone else? Please feel free to message me at jess@nvcmatters.org.uk if you are called to talk more!