‘I see all the life’: designing spaces of respite for survivors of violence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Millions of people in the United States and Canada survive violent victimization each year, many of whom then engage in the justice process. Like the justice process, the design of courthouses offers little to attend to the needs of victims, especially those related to emotions and the need for respite during the proceedings. This study explored the design of a respite space for survivors which they could visit while they attended court. This qualitative study used imagery-based research methods to interview violence survivors and professionals dedicated to serving victims. Results show that survivors desire designs that revolve around eight themes: familial fellowship, natural life, paths, comfy and worn, child-welcoming, cultural and spiritual, knowledge and growth, and home. Implications for the design of justice spaces and restorative justice practices are discussed.