Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The development of Victim-Offender Mediation in Sweden
Maritha Jacobsson
Legal system
•Retributive Justice•Restorative Justice
Datum
Department of Social Work
2
• 1997: First mediation acitivities• 1998: Experiment activities
– National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå)
• 1998: Evaluation– Commission on Mediation
• 2000: Recommendations for legislation• 2002: Mediation Act • 2003: Development of mediation activities• 2008: Compulsory for all municipalities to offer mediation
to young offenders (Social Service Act)
Datum
Department of Social Work
3
Social Service Act (2008)
• It is compulsory for all municipalities in Sweden to offer Victim-Offender mediation to young offenders below the age of 21
Datum
Department of Social Welfare
4
Mediation Act (Medlingslagen 2002:445)
• Mediation organized by the state or municipalities• The perpetrator of an offence should get increased
insight concerning the consequences of the crime, and thereby reduce the liklihood of relapse into crime
• The victim should have the possibility to work through the feelings aroused by the offence
• The mediator should be impartial• Mediation should be voluntary for both participants
Datum
Department of Social Work
5
Mediation Act (Medlingslagen 2002:445)
• The perpetrator should be over the age of 12• The perpetrator should have accepted
responsibility for the main elements of their offence
• The meeting should conclude with some form of agreement between the participants
Datum
Department of Social Work
6
Young Offenders Act (LuL 1964:167)
• Proscecutors should/can consider whether mediation has taken place or not when proscecuting a young offender
• The police should report to the social service when there is an offender below the age of 18 who is suspected for crime
Datum
Department of Social Work
7
Stages in the mediation process• Report to the police• Ask the offender about interest for mediation• The mediation activity is informed• Proposal to the offender• Proposal to the victim• Pre-meetings• Mediation• Agreement
Datum
Department of Social Work
8
Mediation in Sweden 2007
• 252 municipalities could offer mediation• 159 mediation activities• Mostly official workers (and laymen)
(Brå 2007)
Datum
Department of Social Work
9
Type of crime
• Shoplifting 30%• Assault 18%• Criminal damage, graffiti 16%• Stealing 12%• Threats and harassment 9%
(Brå 2007)
Datum
Department of Social Work
10
Essence and consequencesVictim-offender mediation in
Sweden
Maritha Jacobsson & Lottie Wahlin2008-2010
Financed by: The Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority
Datum
Department of social Work
11
