Towards Desistance: The Experiences of Namibian Ex-Offenders of Factors That Have Shaped Their Journeys (PID213)

4.15pm – 5pm EDT, 3 September 2024 ‐ 45 mins

Workshop Session

Desistance from criminal behaviour is a nuanced process influenced by a range of internal and external factors. This presentation explores the impact of societal factors in Namibia on the desistance process, drawing from the experiences of 15 males who have refrained from criminal behaviour for at least five years post-release from custody. The narratives of these individuals unveil a consistent trend of nurturing social networks and widespread community acceptance upon their return to society. Consequently, the presentation underscores the importance of familial, communal, and civic relationships in facilitating the desistance journey, while also emphasizing the critical role of enabling environments in this process. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity to address obstacles that hinder offenders from achieving desistance, such as stigma and discrimination, limited access to employment and education, inadequate support services, lack of re-entry programmes, certain community supervision practices, and legal and regulatory barriers.