ABSTRACT
At the macro-level, grey literature such as annual reports was studied in order to describe the position of restorative justice and victim support services in Europe. In order to fill the gaps, a survey was developed and sent out to key informants of restorative justice and victim support programmes in European countries. The general objective was to gain more insight into the needs, experiences and position of victims when participating in restorative justice programmes. The aim was to conduct empirical research in several European countries, in a comparative way. The research was conducted through various methods: a literature study, a comparable questionnaire which was administered through telephone and face-to-face interviews with victims, and interviews with mediators and victim support workers. The needs and experiences of victims have been studied through a literature review, both with regard to the justice system and with regard to restorative justice.
