Our services

What we offer

The Swiss RJ Forum offers a variety of restorative processes that can be tailored to suit each individual situation, catering to the needs of those who have been affected by harm, as well as their support network.

how we work

What is the RJ process like?

All processes that the Swiss RJ Forum offers are implemented in a trauma-informed way to prevent any risk of re-traumatising participants or causing secondary harm.

  • Safe

The facilitators’ role is to support the participants at each stage and to provide a safe, respectful and fair process.

  • Well-prepared

It is not unusual that the preparation takes several weeks or months to ensure that everyone involved has been able to get ready with the necessary care and can begin the process without fear.

  • Flexible

RJ always aims to offer flexible processes that meet the needs of the individual and the situation.

  • Voluntary

The processes are voluntary at all times and can be interrupted or adapted as needed or terminated.

  • Which offences are eligible?

Restorative justice can be beneficial in the aftermath of a wide range of offences, including but not limited to burglary, robbery, blackmail, assault, bodily injury, crimes of a sexual nature, murder of a loved one, domestic violence, hate crimes, etc.

  • Who facilitates these processes?

It is essential that any restorative process is led by a facilitator who has undergone comprehensive training in restorative justice.

  • How much does it cost to take part in these processes?

The Forum strives to ensure that the restorative processes mentioned below are accessible to the affected parties at all times. These services are provided free of charge.

restorative processes

What RJ processes are available?

victim-offender dialogues

Victim-offender dialogues refer to a process between directly related victims and offenders.

  • Location: Both in and outside of prison.

  • Beneficiaries: Directly related victims and offenders.

These dialogues can be conducted in various ways:

  • Direct dialogue

  • Indirect dialogue

  • Through a representative

Please follow the buttons below to learn more.

Restorative conferences

Restorative conferences bring together victims and offenders of the same crime, as well as other individuals who may be affected by the crime or who can support the parties.

  • Location: Both in and outside of prison.

  • Beneficiaries: Directly related victims and offenders and their network.

These dialogues can be conducted in various ways:

  • Direct dialogue

  • Indirect dialogue

Please follow the buttons below to learn more.

“My fear and nightmares are gone, I can finally live again freely and attend social events, go to the theatre, cinema and concerts, which I hadn’t been able to do anymore.”

Dialogue participant

Restorative dialogues

Restorative dialogues are group processes between victims and offenders who are not directly related but who have suffered or caused the same or similar kind of harm.

  • Location: In prison.
  • Beneficiaries: Unrelated victims and offenders of similar crimes.

Further details:

  • Sessions: 8 gatherings of 2 hours each.

  • Group size: Maximum 12 participants, including facilitators.

Please follow the buttons below to learn more.

Re-entry circles

Re-entry circles enable incarcerated individuals to address harm and conflicts with their families, loved ones and significant others under the guidance of trained facilitators.

  • Location: In prison.
  • Beneficiaries: Incarcerated individuals and their support network.

Further details:

  • Sessions: 6-8 meetings in different constellations.

  • Support for the family of the incarcerated person.

Please follow the button below to learn more.

“I had never thought that my actions could have such serious and lasting repercussions. I can never do anything like that to anyone again.”

Dialogue participant

learning circles

Learning circles bring together participants in various constellations to explore topics related to conflict, crime, and harm. They create a space for dialogue, reflection, and shared understanding.

  • Location: Anywhere.

  • Beneficiaries: Any group of people concerned by a specific topic.

Further details:

  • Session type: Direct dialogue.

  • Group size: Maximum 12 participants.

circles

Circle processes can be used to facilitate dialogue between parties in various constellations—whether involving victims, offenders, and their support communities or focusing on a single group to help them process their experiences and emotions.

They can serve as a method for including a broader group of people in direct victim-offender encounters, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Additionally, circle processes can be used to work specifically with groups of victims and/or offenders, providing a structured space for reflection, healing, and mutual understanding.

forum facilitators

Restorative justice facilitators

  • Safe environment

Trained facilitators meticulously guide the restorative justice processes offered by the Swiss RJ Forum. These facilitators bear the critical responsibility of ensuring that the participation of all individuals remains entirely voluntary, free from any form of coercion or undue influence throughout the process. This involves creating a safe environment where all participants feel safe and empowered to engage openly throughout the entire process.

  • Professional support

Additionally, facilitators must be adept at recognising and supporting participants who may face challenges in articulating their thoughts and feelings. Facilitators must employ a range of communication techniques and strategies to ensure that every voice is heard and valued, thereby maintaining the integrity and inclusiveness of the restorative justice process.

  • Trauma-informed approach

A trauma-informed restorative justice process takes into account the emotional and psychological impact of crime on those involved. Facilitators create a safe and supportive space where participants can share at their own pace, without pressure or fear of being re-traumatised. They are trained to recognise emotional triggers, address power imbalances and ensure that everyone feels heard and respected. The process is designed to promote healing while minimising distress, offering support and guidance to help participants move forward in a constructive way.

Participation in RJ

If you are interested in engaging with any of the above restorative justice processes, please contact us at swissrjforum@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can continue your journey by visiting our next page about our services designed for victims.