Herstelrecht in geval van geweld in relaties en gezinnen?

Restorative mediation in cases of relationship and family violence Restorative justice responses are increasingly common in criminal cases, including domestic violence cases (referred to here as intra-family violence or partner violence). It can offer parties prospects of restoring trust or repairing harm through a guided conversation. However, application of restorative justice provisions in such cases is not self-evident. The dynamics of partner violence create specific challenges, particularly with regard to victim safety and voluntary participation. The use of restorative justice requires extra careful consideration. In this contribution, we exchanged views with Pascale Franck and Karolien Boonen, working at Family Justice Centres in Flanders. Besides mediation in cases of partner violence, the use of restorative justice options in cases of parental or child abuse was discussed. Preceding, issues of partner violence and violence in families and the requirements of the Istanbul Convention are highlighted. Finally, the conditions we believe should be set to apply mediation in cases of partner violence and some practical challenges are shared.