(Victim-Offender) Penal Mediation [Ποινική Διαμεσολάβηση]

The process of the penal mediation, as it is described in law 3500/2006 (http://www.isotita.gr/var/uploads/NOMOTHESIA/VIOLENCE/N%20%203500-2006.pdf) is that the prosecutor investigates the possibility for mediation to be enforced first with the offender. Prerequisites are the promise of the offender that:

• he/she won’t repeat the offence and that that he/she will leave the house if the victim wishes so,

• he/she accepts to attend specific therapeutic program for offenders and

• he/she must immediately restore any damages and compensate the victim.

Given that the above prerequisites are met, the prosecutor informs the victim and if she/he consents, and if the two parties reach an agreement, the mediation process starts.

During mediation prosecution is pending, and if the offender complies with the terms of the mediation for a 3-year period, the process is finalized and the criminal claim of the State for this crime is eliminated . The prosecutor has the duty to monitor if the offender complies with the mediation terms and, if not, s/he interrupts the mediation process and initiates penal procedures.