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Peacemaking circles use traditional circle ritual and structure to create a respectful space in which all interested community members, victim, victim supporters, offender, offender supporters, judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, police and court workers can speak openly in a shared search for understanding of a crime and to identify the steps necessary to assist in healing all affected parties and prevent future occurrences. They are built on the tradition of talking circles, common among indigenous people of North America, in which an object called a talking piece is passed from person to person consecutively around a circle, structuring the dialogue.  

Peacemaking circles are community directed processes that work in partnership with the criminal justice system. They typically involve a multi-step procedure including application by the offender to the circle process, a healing circle for the victim, a healing circle for the offender, a sentencing circle to develop consensus on the elements of a sentencing agreement, and follow-up circles to monitor the progress of the offender. The sentencing plan may incorporate commitments by the system, community and family members as well as by the offender.  

During circle gatherings participants sit in a circle without tables or other furniture.  Circles are facilitated by “keepers,”often trained community members, who are responsible for setting a tone of respect and hope that supports and honors every participant. Participants may only speak when holding the talking piece and the talking piece is passed clockwise around the circle providing an opportunity for every participant to speak. The use of the talking piece reduces the role of the facilitator and eliminates interruptions because the talking piece designates who may speak while all others listen.  The talking piece also creates space for the ideas of participants who would find it difficult to insert themselves into the usual dialog process. Every participant in the circle is encouraged to add to the understanding of the problem and to generate possible solutions.  

The process may involve separate circles for the victim and offender before all parties are brought together to determine an action plan to address the issues raised in the process. By consensus the circle may develop the sentence for the offender and may also stipulate responsibilities of community members and justice officials as part of the agreement. After the circle process, regular communication and check-ins are used to assess progress and adjust agreements as conditions change.


Rarely do victims and offenders have the chance to sit together and talk about a crime that was committed in a way that allows the community to heal and develop solutions to prevent future crime.  Peacemaking circles are providing a process in which people from many different perspectives can come together to have difficult conversations about conflict, pain, and anger while creating the space to honor the presence and dignity of every participant. In addition to supporting victims and assisting offenders in making life changes, peacemaking circles are also being used to develop plans for families in crisis, resolve conflict in schools and in the workplace, and bridge gaps between cultures and generations.