Mediator Peter: “It gives me a lot of fulfilment when victim and offender are able to listen to each other.”

Peter Brandwacht (52) has been working for Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling as a mediator for three years. What makes his work so special?

“For a long time now, I’ve had a fascination with the things that move people. During my studies of Dutch Law and my work at the public prosecutor’s office (Openbaar Ministerie) it was always about the victim or suspect. Now, I talk with them. I find this much more interesting. I am genuinely interested in the other person, even if this person committed a murder. I am often amazed by the stories behind the facts or events.”

“I find it a privilege that people trust me with their stories. They are often stories full of shame, intimacy, anger or grief. I’m not afraid of emotions; grief and anger are common ones. I see, hear, and feel what the impact of events are. My own (work) life experience is useful to me in my work as a mediator.”

No fixed work location

“I love to have a high measure of freedom in my work. I don’t have a fixed work location every day, and go from kitchen table to meeting room in a prison. Diligent and careful work is very important to Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling; this means that I get the time and space to do what is important according to me. 

“In the end, it gives me a lot of fulfilment when victim and offender are able to listen to each other, and can move on in their lives. That’s why I do this work.””

Will you be my new future mediator colleague? Check the job openings.
Do you have any questions about the content of my work as a mediator? Please call or email me.
T: +31 6 24677787  Email: p.brandwacht@perspectiefherstelbemiddeling.nl