Breadcrumb
Navigation Menu
Mediation
Mediation
Victims of crime can also get help from mediation that can be applied to many kinds of offences. The police consider the possibilities for mediation in all criminal matters.
In mediation, the parties come face to face with each other and search for a solution for the crime or dispute at hand with the support of an external counsellor.
Mediation is a free of charge and voluntary service. The purpose of mediation is to find other solutions to a crime or dispute than a formal and often heavy legal procedure. It is possible to avoid a trial by using mediation.
In mediation,
- the parties can talk about what happened between them
- the parties can express the feelings and experiences the incident caused
- it is possible to handle damage and harm caused by the crime or dispute
- it is possible to agree on compensation for damages.
Mediation is seen as a sensible way of solving crime and dispute matters, because the parties can influence the processing of their case and the decision concerning the matter.
What matters are suitable for mediation?
The mediation office assesses on a case-by-case basis whether the matter can be solved through mediation. The police also evaluate the possibility of mediation during pre-trial investigation. The matters to be mediated must be minor. Serious and widespread offences and offences targeted against minors, for example, are not suitable for mediation.
How is a matter taken to mediation?
As party of a dispute or crime, you can request mediation from the nearest mediation office.
You can also ask about mediation from the police or other authority handling your case.
A mediation initiative can also be submitted by:
- the police,
- the prosecutor,
- an authority,
- a child’s or an adolescent’s custodian,
- another legal representative.
Read more about mediation as part of pre-trial investigation on the police’s website