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Truth and Reconciliation as a Model for Change in Response to # MeToo
Author(s) -
Colvin Roddrick A.,
BlountHill KwanLamar
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
public administration review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.721
H-Index - 139
eISSN - 1540-6210
pISSN - 0033-3352
DOI - 10.1111/puar.13207
Subject(s) - wrongdoing , appearance of impropriety , forgiveness , sexual misconduct , accountability , economic justice , misconduct , psychology , criminology , social psychology , ideal (ethics) , shame , political science , law
The U . S . criminal justice system is designed to handle extreme cases of sexual misconduct , but the system has not adapted well to less extreme (but no less important) sexually inappropriate behaviors . As our understanding of sexual misconduct and impropriety evolves , the need for a new system of accountability seems apparent . The authors call for a new approach to providing justice for survivors/victims: the adoption of a truth and reconciliation model . This model involves providing a public forum for survivors/victims to testify to the events of their victimization and for offenders to admit previous wrongdoing , take responsibility , and ask forgiveness . While it is not appropriate for handling illegal behaviors , a truth and reconciliation model would be ideal for incidents that are not illegal but violate our evolving social norms .