In this follow-up essay, Mary Peterson examines how legal aggression, online misogyny, and public relations battles shape contemporary responses to accusations of sexual misconduct. Drawing on high-profile cases and philosophical debates, she argues that the legal system often amplifies harm rather than healing. Restorative justice, she suggests, offers an alternative framework focused on accountability, community responsibility, and the repair of damaged lives.

How can universities address sexual misconduct while fostering justice for survivors and fair accountability for perpetrators? This essay critiques the tensions between abolitionist and carceral feminisms, using examples like Colin McGinn’s reflections on "cancellation" to explore entitlement and the challenges of restorative justice. Arguing for meaningful repair led by perpetrators, Peterson warns against institutional "himpathy" that often prioritizes perpetrators' comfort over victims’ needs