What is restorative mediation?

Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling guides and facilitates contact between people who were involved in a traumatic event. This could be a crime, a (traffic) accident, sexual violence, or for example transgressions in sports. We call this restorative mediation. Through the contact, the people who were involved are able to take a step towards their personal recovery.

Why restorative mediation?

The way that restorative mediation can help is different for everyone. It can often times help to process the event and move on from it. Participants can ask questions and give answers to each other. This way, both people can get more insights into how it happened, and what the consequences of the event are. Participants often feel relieved after the contact, they feel less scared and less angry, or less guilty about what happened. It helps them move on, and can avoid it from happening again.

When is restorative mediation possible?

Restorative mediation can take place at any moment participants want. It can be a short time after the event, or years or decades later. It is possible after both minor and major crimes or accidents. The participants decide for themselves what exactly they want to discuss during the mediation. Often times, they want to ask questions and give answers.

How restorative mediation works after...

Do you have any questions about restorative mediation? Please contact us.
You can also apply for an intake.

Moving on after a traumatic event. This is how we do it.

The way in which restorative mediation can help is different for everyone. In this video we explain in short what restorative mediation is. We also explain how it works and how it can help you.

Experiences of participants

Hannah about restorative mediation after sexual abuse (incest)
In her childhood, Hannah was sexually abused by her father. Recently, she talked to her mother and father with the help of a mediator. 'I got sincere recognition from my father. I could calmly explain to him how the abuse had affected me.'
Sonja: “I’m okay with him.”
Sonja got in contact with the man who raped her almost 20 years ago. “I feel more calm,” she says. “I can run into him in the street now.”
A conversation with the store robber after 25 years: “What have I got to lose?”
The store robbery that Belinda experienced has had a great impact on her life ever since. It even led to physical issues. Now that she has had a conversation with the perpetrator, her life has changed a lot. “I’m very happy I did it. A lot of fear got lifted from my shoulders.”