Peacemaking Circles: Contributions to the Mental Health of Women Deprived of Liberty

Abstract

Abstract Background: Incarceration stands as a stark representation of human suffering, significantly impacting the lives of those confined. The specific plight of Women Deprived of Liberty within carceral settings represents an often-overlooked facet of this suffering. The complexities inherent in their experiences within carceral environments emphasize the urgent necessity to address their psychological well-being and alleviate their distress. Objective: Identify the contributions of Peacemaking Circles to the Mental Health of Women Deprived of Liberty who are serving sentences in a closed regime in a women's prison placed in the capital of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted based on the Restorative Justice framework, following the perspective of author Kay Pranis. Participant observation served as the primary method for data collection. Data analysis was performed using the phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis model. Results: It was possible to identify that the traumatic experience of imprisonment and its social practices systematically threaten the mental health of Women Deprived of Liberty. On the other hand, was also possible to identify that Peacemaking Circles works as instruments that allow the symbolization of the experience of suffering and contribute to strengthening hope for the future and mitigating the effects of social determinants of health. Conclusion: Peacemaking Circles promote the mental health of Women Deprived of Liberty, as they allow the symbolization of the experience of suffering, have a pedagogical effect, contribute to strengthening hope and autonomy, and also promote actions aimed at mitigating the effects of social determinants of health. Keywords: Restorative Justice, Mental Health, Women Deprived of Liberty, Peacemaking Circles , Qualitative study.