P048. From Confinement to Renewal: Exploring Restorative Justice, Barriers, and Motivations in Women’s Incarceration

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Restorative justice (RJ) is a justice mechanism that focuses on repairing the harm caused by an offense. Despite evidence highlighting its rehabilitative potential, RJ program implementation remains limited within prisons and remains underutilized in cases of serious offenses, particularly among incarcerated women.
RJ programs are particularly valuable for female offenders, as they often address the socio-emotional aspects of their crimes, offering pathways for personal growth. The current study explores the experiences of thirteen women adult incarcerated female offenders, examining the barriers and motivations specific to their willingness to engage in RJ processes Primary barriers identified among the participants include profound feelings of shame, fear of further public exposure given the media’s particular interest in cases involving incarcerated women, disbelief in the victims' capacity to forgive, and apprehension regarding the emotional consequences that might arise from engaging in the RJ process. In contrast, significant motivators for RJ participation included a strong desire to seek forgiveness, the hope to rebuild familial ties—a theme emerging as especially substantial among women—and a strong need for their personal experiences and journeys to be heard and acknowledged.
These findings offer insight into the potential challenges and benefits of implementing RJ in prison settings with female offenders. Gender awareness should be implemented into the RJ field and practice.
These insights contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of RJ engagement among incarcerated women, underscoring the potential for RJ to facilitate meaningful rehabilitation and relational healing within the prison setting.
The role of female offenders in RJ cannot be overstated. They bring a critical and compassionate perspective that enriches the RJ process. Their focus on emotional connection, empathy, and collective healing makes RJ not just a mechanism fo reparation but a pathway to meaningful, lasting change.

Authors

• Dana Weimann Saks, Yezreel Valley College

• Inbal Peleg Koriat, Yezreel Valley College