Ett steg bakåt två steg framåt - En kvalitativ studie av morddömdas sociala och emotionella förändringar i samband med medling i Colombia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the views on how the mediation program Programa Árbol Sicómoro affected inmates’, convicted of murder, own lives. Research questions: • To what extent, and how, has the mediation affected the convicts’ views upon themselves and the crime they have been convicted for. • To what extent, and how, has the mediation brought any change to the convicts’ imprisonment and if it has changed their look upon the future.

The study has been executed using qualitative method. Materials from seven profound interviews have been analysed and condensed using terms from restorative justice and self-image theories. This study shows that the mediation program has given its participants a new chance and that they experienced to be transformed. They have, to varying extents, had a change in how they experience themselves and the crime they have committed. The mediation program has contributed to an increased awareness of self, their own actions and the consequences of these actions, as well as the awareness of the surrounding world. They have gained a sense of empathy and started thinking of their victims and society as a whole.

Forgiveness is a central part of restoration and all respondents want to return something to society. The mediation has had an effect on the participants’ values, morals, emotions, behaviour and belief in the future; which has induced a change of life orientation. All interviews have two things in common; the reinterpretation of their past and present lives as well as their faith in God. Two distinct observations is that dialogue has been very important for the respondents, and for the process of reconciliation; and that a sense of belonging and support from the outer world is necessary to maintain the respondents’ progress.