Denmark

Provides a listing of articles on restorative justice developments in Denmark. Articles appear in the order in which they were added to the site with the most recent appearing first.

Andersson, Hanne and Madsen, Karin Sten. The challenges of mediating rape.

“How can any woman want to meet the man who raped her? That would be the last thing on earth I would want myself. Are you sure you are not revictimizing the women?" These questions were asked by a journalist visiting Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault in Copenhagen and have often been asked since we began assisting women in restorative dialogues with the men who raped them. Every year Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault at the University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet) receives about 250 women (and a few men) who have been raped or subjected to attempted raped. Forensic examination, medical and psycho-social treatment is being offered – and since two years also restorative dialogues. The project was started thanks to a few women who had the courage to articulate their wish to make contact with the man who had sexually violated them. It took some time for the staff to hear and comprehend what the women were asking for. We too wanted to protect and shelter the women from the men who had already caused them so much pain. But we realized that by creating a safe place and a supportive institutional frame we had also made it possible for the women to articulate their wish for a dialogue with the men who had raped them. This wish is controversial and is far from being shared by all women. But it is important that a centre like ours develops methods that correspond with the different wishes and needs of the women we receive and that we provide a framework and options for women who wish to take a different road towards healing, justice and closure. (excerpt)

Brønholt, Lis Lynge. Should FGC (Family Group Conferences) be adjusted to the Mainstream Practice? Or Should the Mainstream Practice Be Adjusted to FGC? Ideals and Realities

Two days ago a new study from the Danish Social Research Institute was released. The good news is that modern way of living has not ruined the family solidarity. Most families are close-knit. Around 40\% of the new mothers talk to their mother on a daily basis. So there is still a close connection between generations. The modern nuclear family is not as isolated as researchers had expected. I attach importance to the fact that FGC is a decision making model, where user involvement and influence is an integrated part. This is a step forward in democratisation of social work. It is a clear and simple model with clear values: respect for different views and cultures; willingness to listen to all family members and focus on both strengths and problems. When I formulated the headline of this contribution I had no way of knowing whether the politicians in Denmark would make FGC a right for all families, as a reform for families and children in need was on its way. (excerpt)

Madsen, Karin Sten. Mediation in Rape - is that possible? (Mediation as a way of empowering women exposed to sexual coercion)

The efforts of the staff at The Centre for Sexual Assault in Copenhagen all aim at empowering women exposed to sexual coercion in order that further victimisation does not occur and they may regain control over their lives. With this in mind, and as a part of a research project, we have recently started to offer mediation as one of the ways in which women may reestablish their self-confidence through control over their lives and the renewal of their sense of justice. Mediation is a process through which the woman and the offender are given the opportunity to have a dialog, facilitated by one or two impartial third persons. A concrete mediation is sometimes conducted as a dialog between the two parties, but more often the dialog takes place through correspondence. We shall here introduce the thoughts and reflections behind this new initiative. (excerpt)

Christy, Lotte. Dilemmas and Possibilities in Mediation Programmes for 12-15 Year Old Youngsters.

The 12-15 year olds have conflicts with each other – in class, at school, in the club, in the street. Some have conflicts with their parents or other adults. Most of them solve their conflicts themselves. But not all conflicts can be solved without help. And conflicts that are not solved can do great harm. In the worst cases they escalate and develop into violence and crime. On the other hand conflicts that are solved can give the parties new options in life. The idea of this project is to give the young people a helping hand. The project ‘Mediation for 12-15 year olds’ has been carried out in co-operation between the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Danish Crime Prevention Council and 8 municipalities. It was carried out from 2003 to 2005. (excerpt)

Rasmussen, Bo Morhorst. A Decision Making Model"Plus"-- The Study of the Danish Experiment with Family Group Conferencing

In this article, Bo Morthorst Rasmussen reviews the main conclusions from a study of the Danish experiment with family group conferencing (FGC) during 2000 and 2001. The Danish experiment was based on the New Zealand model of family group conferencing. In this model, FGC is primarily a decision making structure involving the family and the social welfare agency in devising a plan of action to benefit a child or youth at risk. Rasmussen presents statistics on the extent of conferencing in Denmark during the two year trial period; the methodology of the evaluation; information on outcomes and levels of satisfaction among participants; components and process in the Danish use of FGCs; and comparison of key statistics with respect to the use of FGCs in Denmark, Sweden, and England.

Madsen, Karin Sten. How Could You Do This to Me?

The Centre for Sexual Assault in Copenhagen provides many services to women who have been victimized by sexual assault. The Centre offers a victim offender mediation project to allow women to confront their attackers in face-to-face meetings or by correspondence. In this article, Karin Sten Madsen, a counselor with the Centre, explains the reasons for the programme and relates the experiences of three women who chose to participate in it.

Crime Prevention Council in Denmark. An experiment with victim offender mediation in Denmark: Victim and offender may meet for mediation

Written in 1999, this paper describes an experiment in victim offender mediation in certain police districts in Denmark. It is part of the government’s plan to strengthen the position of victims of crime. The paper outlines the nature and purpose of victim offender mediation, the mediation process, types of cases referred to mediation, expectations and outcomes for participants, origin of referrals, mediators, and the scope and time frame of the experiment.

How Could You Do This to Me?

The Centre for Sexual Assault in Copenhagen provides many services to women who have been victimized by sexual assault. The Centre offers a victim offender mediation project to allow women to confront their attackers in face-to-face meetings or by correspondence. In this article, Karin Sten Madsen, a counselor with the Centre, explains the reasons for the programme and relates the experiences of three women who chose to participate in it.