What is in a term? Offender or person with convictions, victim or survivor? Language is about the communication of ideas – and it’s important to get it right, particularly when it comes to justice.
There are words I hate hearing, like “n*d”, which I’d prefer not to spell out, and toxic language around those who have an addiction to drugs – words I won’t use. Shifting the language, can shift understanding and reduce stigma. It seems like a small but important thing.
I listened to some colleagues from Norway talk about how they focus on rehabilitation in their system. They look at positive relationships when someone has their liberty removed and the ability to perform meaningful work. They have a mechanics workshop in the establishment and people from the community bring their cars in to be fixed, and so much more.
