An interactional approach to desistance: expanding desistance theory based on the Austrian mediation practice in cases of partnership violence

Abstract

Starting from the peculiarity of the Austrian practice of restorative justice (RJ) in general and in particular victim–offender mediation (VOM) in cases of partnership violence, an interactive approach to desistance and research on desistance is put forward. The main argument is that the RJ procedure is an interactive endeavour; it is neither predominantly about the offender nor about the victim, but about what has happened between them, the wrongdoing and the effort to bring forth a compensation – the ‘making good’ of those wrongs. The experience of being actively involved in this effort serves as potential instigator of change – of a relational transformation. We will connect this line of reasoning to notions of desistance that emphasise interaction and societal contexts. Two case studies serve to illustrate the potential of the RJ approach in cases of partnership violence as well as the potential of research performed in ‘naturalistic’ settings.

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