Face to Face

Restorative justice offers victims and their surroundings the possibility to let the effect, loss and pain of their wound be felt and to voice their grievance while actively participating in the determination of an acceptable form of reparation. It also affords the offender a good opportunity to face the victim and the effects and consequences of his offence shortly after its occurrence and to take an active part in this encounter. The procedure consists of offender(s), victim(s) and their supporters coming together to discuss the incident with a trained group leader and agreeing on future action. This method offers an excellent opportunity for school and children’s home educators, police, social workers and patrons to handle conflicts which often appear unsolvable, as well as helping children and young people to avoid future criminal acts and serious punishment. The method is also readily usable to resolve disputes in communities, such as schools, football clubs, smaller communities, ethnical groups, etc., as may be seen in an increasing number of countries where it is becoming an implemented part of the legal system, due to the EU requirements it has become part of the penal code primarily for juvenile delinquents.