I am writing in regards to the recent Herald article (Feb. 20, “An agent for change””) highlighting the work of

I am a mental health professional and would specifically like to offer feedback around the recent sentencing of Preston Pitcher. In the interest of transparency, I am currently employed at Riversage Family Counseling and worked there when Pitcher was arrested.

As a therapist trained in trauma-informed care, I hear again and again how the criminal justice system fails trauma survivors. A trauma-insensitive justice system and lack of consequences for perpetrators often deters survivors from reporting an assault or rape. If they do choose to report, little to no consequences for perpetrators can be invalidating and re-traumatizing.

I would argue that the lack of jail time for Pitcher is the opposite of progressive, restorative justice and instead maintains the status quo. Restorative justice efforts should focus on oppressed and marginalized communities, not on those already reaping the benefits of white privilege.

I hope Woods will listen to community feedback from organizations like the Sexual Assault Services Organization and really hear the words of trauma survivors. I hope she will reconsider what seems to be a blanket approach to restorative justice that benefits the already privileged.

I also hope that we can continue to have real conversations in our community about race and criminal justice and that those most oppressed by the criminal justice system will be the ones who benefit from progressive approaches going forward.

Anne HoseyDurango