Solidarity Over Distance

Interviews & Testimonials

During the Covid-19 crisis

In these extraordinary times, when we are all asked to isolate ourselves, and when many of our members and partners have to face unprecedented situations, we want to express our solidarity and strengthen the community we belong to. That is why we are launching the #SolidarityOverDistance campaign today. Physical separation is very reasonable to prevent further harm now. At the same time, we believe that the most important now is to stand together, and to share our troubles and hopes. 

Listening to the news every day, we are worried about our friends and colleagues and we want to let them now that we care. On our channels we are going to offer a platform to share updates from them. What challenges are they facing? How are they coping with the situation? Professionals within our network most often provide services for people who experienced harm or people who are dealing with the consequences of a harm caused by them. They are typically in a very vulnerable situation, and the current crisis makes their status even more precarious. When will a mediation process be able to go on? How can a harm be repaired when human life and our social co-existence is in jeopardy? Through these short updates and interviews we also wish to share the thoughts of professionals in our membership: how are they dealing with these extreme professional challenges. Please join our campaign and share with us how do you experience this crisis. 

Detainees from Czech prisons share their tips to help them handle the imprisonment. 

#SolidarityOverDistance update on the guidance of the UK  Restorative Justice Council on online restorative work and the situation in the UK. 

Anouk Van de Sande is doing an internship at the Antwerp office of the Flemish mediation service, Moderator. The restrictions on live encounters meant an unexpected turn for her plans. A #SolidarityOverDistance update. 

We asked Annegrete Johanson about challenges she is facing as a mediator and a youth worker in Estonia as part of our #SolidarityOverDistance updates.

The personal reflections on the ongoing crisis of Bruna Dighera ,  a psychologist and psychotherapist working in the area of Bergamo, also in the project of Restorative City initiative of Lecco and Como.  A  part of our #SolidarityOverDistance updates. 

A #SolidarityOverDistance interview on the difficulties the current crisis means for children and young people,  the role of the EFRJ  can have during the crisis, and  the situation in the Netherlands. 

On how we recognise, understand and react in different ways on the crisis. A  #SolidarityOverDistance update. 

Nancy Van Eynde is a senior victim-offender mediator at Moderator, where they have shifted their team work online, and they also offer the possibility to some of their clients to continue the process online.

Our discussion with Branka Peurača as a part of the #SolidarityOverDistance  interviews  on the earthquake in Croatia and consequences of the Covid-19 crisis on her work. 

Interview with Daniela Arieti, a mediator,  who lives in the Italian region most affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.  Daniela tells about how she is experiencing the current crisis. The interview is  as part of our  #SolidarityOverDistance campaign, in which we want to express our solidarity and strengthen the community we belong to.