Because conflict is part of our relationships as human beings, we need to view it as an opportunity for desired social change. This calls for an approach that looks beyond the immediate and into the future. Addressing the underlying issues at the basis of the conflict results in a sustainable outcome.

The focus here is on viewing crime as harming people and their communities, including the victim and the offender. Through this lense, the victim needs must be addressed, and the offender must be held accountable for the harm emanating from their actions. The involvement of the community affected is paramount and can result in healing and reparation of the broken relationships caused by the harm.