Critica della vittima ideale e giustizia riparativa: da un discorso sulle vittime (ideali) a un discorso della vittima (reale)

This article critically examines the concept of the “ideal victim”, first articulated by Nils Christie, and its pervasive role in contemporary media, political and legal discourses. The ideal victim – characterized by vulnerability, innocence, and societal resonance – serves as a tool for reinforcing existing power structures, amplifying punitive justice responses, and silencing real victims who do not conform to idealized stereotypes. Drawing on theoretical contributions from Girard, Foucault and feminist critiques, the analysis highlights how marginalized individuals are often excluded from the victim category and denied discursive agency. To counteract this dynamic, restorative justice is proposed as an alternative paradigm that centers the real victim’s experiences, needs and agency. By fostering safe, dialogical spaces away from media sensationalism and political exploitation, restorative justice enables victims to articulate their narratives authentically, thereby deconstructing victim idealization. This approach, while not without challenges, offers a path to empower victims, acknowledge systemic injustices and promote ethical, democratic discourse.