What if mistakes were met with understanding, accountability, and opportunities for growth instead of punishment? An abolitionist world envisions this very approach, emphasizing learning and healing over retribution.
In our current systems, punitive responses often exacerbate harm, perpetuating cycles of trauma and isolation. Whether in relationships, workplaces, or the justice system, punishment rarely addresses the root causes of harmful behavior. Instead, it reinforces shame and alienation, making it harder to repair broken relationships or rebuild trust.

An abolitionist approach to accountability shifts the focus toward healing. It begins with acknowledging harm and committing to repair. This model not only addresses the immediate impact of harm but also examines the deeper, systemic or personal factors that contribute to hurtful actions. By creating space for dialogue, understanding, and transformation, this framework fosters true change.
This philosophy is particularly transformative in therapy. Clients can explore how past experiences and societal pressures shape their behaviors, all within a nonjudgmental space. In this way, clients can nurture self-awareness, which enables meaningful change and purposeful growth.

Living daily with an abolitionist mindset means practicing empathy, compassion, and restorative justice. It involves seeing mistakes as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to punish. By embracing this perspective, we can build a culture of healing, connection, and resilience—one where mistakes lead to becoming, not breaking.

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Meet Javonna Arriaga

 
Javonna was born on Turtle Island. Her ancestors are from Abya Yala and her lineage is from the Moche and Chiriqui tribes. She is the daughter of Heather Miramontes-Garcia who is the daughter of Oscar Arriaga, Afro-Peruvian and Marcia Bishop, European American. She is the daughter of Gerardo Perez, though she honors her father's Panamanian lineage she does not know her father. She has been most directly raised by her mother Heather and grandfather Oscar. Javonna also spent two years in foster care and honors her foster parents Jen and Brad Newton as part of her family as well. Together this community has contributed to Javonna's journey.
Javonna is CIS-gendered, able-bodied, pansexual, and a relationship anarchist. Javonna's first language is English and she is fluent conversationally in Spanish.

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