Common Justice

Community is what keeps us safe, not prisons.

Something else is possible.

About Common Justice

Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transform the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration.

In New York City, we operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in the adult courts. Locally and nationally, we leverage the lessons from our direct service to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those most impacted.

Rigorous and hopeful, we build practical strategies to hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities.

Our Guiding Principles

Survivor-Centered Responses To Violence

Crime survivors should be at the center of any conversation about violence. When survivors are at the center, they are pragmatic and clear—and what they ask for is not always what people might expect.

Accountabilty-Based Responses To Violence

Accountability isn't just moral. It's practical. Meaningful accountability can reduce violence in ways punishment cannot.

Safety-Driven Responses To Violence

Communities deserve safety. When prisons fail to deliver on their promise to keep everyone safe, it is time to develop solutions that will succeed.

Racially Equitable Responses To Violence

Racial inequity drives violence. That means that any strategy to advance safety must advance equity as well.

Latest Actions

Fair Access to Victim Compensation Campaign

Please check out our latest video that highlights a substantial barrier faced by survivors of violence when trying to access victim compensation funding in New York State.

Learn More About This Issue

Survivors of Violence Need Expanded Paths to Healing

Surviving violence can upend a person’s life.