Restorative justice and the social graces

Section A
Purpose and method: Restorative justice (RJ) is a process that unites victims and harm doers to repair the harm caused by a crime. RJ processes are becoming more popular in light of the benefits associated with them for victims, harm doers and society. This narrative review used online databases to explore the literature relating to these benefits, identifying factors and psychological mechanisms which underpin the outcomes of RJ. The rationale for this review was to identify gaps in RJ literature to facilitate improvements in relevant research and practice.

Findings: Some advantages included reduced recidivism for harm doers, and empowerment, improved mental health, and social reintegration for harm doers and victims. These positive effects depended on factors such as the process being perceived as fair and satisfactory, the facilitator being confident and skilled, the type and quality of the RJ process, and personal attributes of the participants. It was important to understand these factors and the underlying psychological mechanisms of RJ to improve these interventions. Some of the psychological mechanisms underpinning successful RJ were analogous to those relating to change in psychotherapy. Examples of these included participants being able to express themselves, and to process thoughts and feelings in a safe and containing environment with a skilled facilitator. Additionally, both parties had the opportunity to humanize one another, which enhanced understanding, empathy, and compassion.

Conclusion: Given the importance of communication, acceptance, a sense of safety, and trust in the facilitator, hypotheses were proposed about which social groups may be disadvantaged. Several possibilities were discussed, which could guide future research aimed at making RJ a more inclusive intervention.

Section B
Aims: Restorative justice (RJ) is a process that addresses the harm caused by a crime by facilitating communication between the victim and the harm doer. In the context of rising popularity of RJ in the mental health sector, this paper aimed to explore the impact of identity differences on RJ processes.

Method: In this qualitative study modified grounded theory methodology was used to investigate the impact of the social graces on RJ from the perspective of RJ participants linked to a forensic mental health setting. The interviews of eight participants were based on a semi-structured schedule. Data was collected and analyzed iteratively resulting in the emergence of codes and categories.

Findings: The main social graces perceived as impacting RJ were ethnicity and socioeconomic status, followed by gender, age, mental illness and culture (including communication barriers and religion). The impact was seen as being dependent on one's past experiences and it often related to perceptions of having common ground which facilitated understanding. The theme of 'having a voice' versus 'feeling inhibited' also featured throughout. Other findings pointed towards mitigating factors which softened the impact of the social graces. These included other priorities, strengths of the participants like resilience and
openness, and the expertise and personality of the facilitator.

Conclusion: Identity differences may impact on restorative justice processes, however there are ways to navigate this. It is important for practitioners to be aware of this impact and to try to address it to enhance accessibility and effectiveness of RJ.