This paper discusses community-based responses to violence against indigenous women. It is argued that restorative justice holds great promise but there are significant challenges to ensuring that violence is effectively confronted and women protected. The following six critical issues are examined: (1) breaking the silence and education, (2) the needs of victims, (3) power relationships, (4) elders, (5) cultural values, and (6) resources. Data are provided from a study of violence against Inuit women in the Canadian eastern Arctic. Although the focus is on indigenous communities, the issues raised are pertinent to many other communities and cultures.
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