Justice mediation
Justice mediation is a face-to-face meeting between a person who has been harmed by an incident (the complainant) and the person responsible for the incident (the defendant). It is voluntary, confidential and free.If you are a complainant, you are able to talk about how the defendant's actions have affected you. If you are a defendant, you are given the opportunity to try to repair the harm your actions have caused. You are both encouraged to bring support people with you.
Specially trained mediators help you both talk about the offence and how the offender might make up for causing the damage or harm. The aim is to work out ways the offender can make amends.
Making amends means being responsible for your own actions. It may involve:
- returning stolen property
- agreeing to do something for the victim, such as paying money or repairing damage
- making an apology.
A defendant's assurance that the offence will not be repeated can help repair the emotional harm the victim suffered. Sometimes defendants agree to attend counselling or enrol in special courses.
Mediators come from our Dispute Resolution Branch. They are drawn from all walks of life. Mediators take an oath of secrecy and are independent of the courts and police.
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