Between discourses and practices: the unfulfilled promise of Restorative Justice in addressing gender-based violence in Acre.
Restorative Justice; gender-based violence; patriarchy; Acre; inequality
This thesis critically analyzes the implementation of Restorative Justice in addressing gender-based violence in the state of Acre, Brazil. It starts by framing violence as a structural and symbolic phenomenon, historically legitimized by patriarchy and coloniality, which required the theoretical construction of categories such as domination, symbolic power, subalternity, and intersectionality. Subsequently, it examines Restorative Justice as an alternative paradigm to the retributive criminal system, discussing its principles, promises, and risks, particularly when applied in contexts of gender inequality. Finally, it investigates the public policies and institutional practices of the Court of Justice and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, revealing that, although clothed in transformative discourse, they operate as managerial mechanisms aimed at reducing caseloads rather than confronting the structures that sustain violence. It concludes that, when depoliticized and decontextualized, Restorative Justice 2 reinforces inequalities under the guise of consensus, demanding grounding in feminist, decolonial, and community-based practices.