A mediation service that will bring victims and perpetrators together was launched today by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela. The service is offered by the Probation and Parole Department.

Mr Abela said the service was another step towards the protection of victims and the re-integration of criminals.

He said this will be a voluntary process consisting of a number of meetings between the parties, led by a specially trained person, with the aim of reaching a compromise that is satisfactory to both sides.

Cases may be referred to the Mediation Committee by the courts, the Parole Board, the Offender Assessment Board and the Remissions Board. The committee has a duty to analyse all cases referred to it and decide if these merit mediation. 

The process, Mr Abela said, will allow the perpetrators to see the effect of their actions on the victims. 

The Department of Probation and Parole has organized mediation training, which was accredited by the University of Malta, meaning that mediators are recognized as such in the field of Restorative Justice. Nine probation officers received this training.

Mr Abela also announced that a Victim’s Charter has been drafted. It provides information about services offered by the Department of Probation and Parole for victims. It also includes information about the rights of victims.