Mediation service brings together criminals and their victims
A mediation service that will bring together criminals and victims of crime has been set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The service will be offered by the Probation and Parole Department.
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela explained said this was another step towards better victim support and the reintegration into society of those who would have committed a crime.
This, he said, would be a voluntary programme conducted by trained officials.
Cases would be referred by the Mediation Committee, the courts, the Parole Board, the Offender Assessment Board and the Remissions Board.
In this way, victims would be able to explain what they suffered as a result of the crime and whoever committed the crime would be made better aware of the consequences of his actions.
Nine Probation Service employees have been trained to offer mediation services. Mediators who serve in court will also be involved.