Applicability and uses of the online environment in restorative mediation: towards a digital restorative justice?

Abstract

While the historical role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in restorative justice has been marginal, the paradigm has shifted notably since 2020, prompted by the exigencies of the pandemic. This transformation was especially visible in victim-offender mediation (VOM) programs, particularly during the critical phases of the health crisis across Europe. Despite the persistence of some restorative services in utilizing ICT tools, the scholarly discourse on this evolving landscape remains notably scant. Addressing this gap, this research adopts a qualitative approach, delving into the experiences of 26 facilitators in Spain (N = 26). Through in-depth semi-structured interviews and subsequent inductive coding and thematic content analysis, the study seeks to unravel the nuanced dynamics of employing ICTs in restorative justice and restorative mediation contexts. Specifically, the research explores their impact on communication processes, spatial dynamics, process quality, and participant security. The findings not only underscore practical implications for current practices but also open avenues for contemplating the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping the future trajectory of restorative justice. This study aims to propose valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how restorative justice services could optimize their functioning within the broader criminal justice system through judicious use of ICTs.