The Effects of War and Trauma on Attitudes Toward Restorative Justice for Sexual Offenses

Introduction On October 7, 2023, a Hamas terror attack targeted both Jewish and Arab Israelis. The unprecedented scale of the event resulted in over 1,400 deaths and numerous kidnappings, leading to the ongoing Hamas-Israel war. The attacks also exposed a wide range of sexual violence, which was broadcasted or witnessed by family members (Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, 2024; UN SRSG-SVC, 2024). This event has exacerbated collective trauma and anxiety, influencing various societal issues, including public attitudes toward justice, particularly sexual offenses (Feingold et al., 2024). Objectives This study aims to explore how exposure to a war characterized by violent crimes affects public support for restorative justice (RJ) processes, particularly in sexual offenses, and whether the collective trauma has led to a decline in the belief that sexual offenders can be rehabilitated. Methods The research surveyed 339 Israeli participants at two points: before the war and during its early weeks. The study employed quantitative analyses to measure attitudes toward offender rehabilitation and support for RJ. A paired t-test was conducted to assess changes over time, and correlation analyses examined the relationship between the perceived malleability of offenders and support for RJ. Results The findings revealed a significant decline during the war in the belief that sexual offenders can be rehabilitated ( t (51) = 2.67, p < .01). This belief was correlated to reduced support for RJ (rp = .45, p < .001). The exposure to sexual violence during the war, combined with widespread testimonies highlighting its brutality, likely contributed to a shift in public attitudes. The attacks served to instill terror and dehumanize the victims, reinforcing the public’s resistance to perceived “lenient” justice alternatives such as RJ. Conclusions In addition to the well-known effects of trauma, the study highlights the profound influence of collective trauma on public attitudes toward justice, particularly in sexual offenses. Exposure to extreme violence, during a war characterized by violent crimes creates significant barriers to the acceptance of RJ. While RJ can potentially provide healing avenues for survivors of sexual offenses (Klar-Chalamish & Peleg-Koriat, 2021) the widespread trauma and public anxiety pose significant barriers to its acceptance. Disclosure of Interest None Declared