Criminal Justice and Behavior, Ahead of Print.
This paper examines the role of communication within restorative justice processes, particularly in the context of the use of digital channels. Grounded in the understanding that restorative justice is fundamentally a communicative process, this study highlights how communication shapes outcomes in both face-to-face and online settings. Digital restorative processes introduce new challenges, particularly regarding the transmission of nonverbal cues and emotional content. Facilitators play a key role in managing these challenges, acting as guardians of communication and ensuring that trust and engagement are maintained in virtual spaces. Drawing from interviews with facilitators in Spain, the paper explores how communicative dynamics of restorative justice have been transformed by digital tools. The findings suggest that, while online restorative practices can limit some elements of emotional expression, it remains a viable and adaptive option when properly facilitated, emphasizing the importance of the facilitator’s skills in guiding effective communication within restorative processes.