VICTIM EMPATHY WITHIN PRISON WALLS: EXPERIENCES FROM PILOT PROJECTS IN SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

The project in focus of this article[3] aims at the implementation of Restorative Justice (RJ) procedures at post sentencing level as well as the development of 'mechanisms' to support and protect victims of serious crimes and informing them sufficiently about the RJ offer. The project refers to the Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council [of the European Union] of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. This article relates our work to the broader framework of RJ in general and to research on empathy as glue between people in particular. Empathy is related to the context of victimisation and offending and it revealed how it contributes to social peace and healing. Then the concept of the victim-empathy-training in prison is presented as well as some first insights on the victim groups. Finally preliminary conclusions from the practical work and some future ideas are summarised. Adapted from the source document.