Mediation in criminal and civil matters is a free and voluntary service that allows you to process an incident in a supported and guided environment. The aim of mediation is to promote the resolution by identifying the harm and needs arising from the incident, and to help you move forward. Through the mediation service, you will get an opportunity to discuss, listen to the other party and seek a mutually acceptable solution.
The service is based on the Act on Conciliation in Criminal and Certain Civil Cases (1015/2005). Mediation is provided throughout Finland, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is responsible for organising it until the end of 2026. From the beginning of 2027, the responsibility will transfer to the National Legal Services Agency (OPV).
Service description
Mediation allows you to discuss criminal or civil matters that meet the requirements of the law and an ethical assessment. For example, mediation is suitable for minor and non-aggravated assaults, damage to property, thefts and certain disputes. One of the conditions for mediation is that the suspect acknowledges the main elements of the incident. The civil disputes must be minor.
You can initiate mediation by submitting an initiative to a mediation office. Initiatives may also be filed by the police, prosecutor, schools or, for example, a social worker. Seventeen mediation offices operate in Finland, which receive about 10,000 mediation initiatives annually. Based on the initiative, the office will assess whether the case is suitable for mediation.
Mediation is guided and supervised by:
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health: responsible for strategic guidance and supervision.
- Advisory Board on Mediation in Criminal Cases: develops the service and promotes cooperation.
- THL: organises services, is responsible for supplementary training and monitors mediation activities.
The actual mediation service is provided by the mediation offices.
Important information about the service
Mediation is suitable for:
- Criminal cases: a wide range of cases that often relate to a person’s property, privacy or bodily integrity (e.g. minor and non-aggravated assault, property crimes, defamation).
- Civil matters: minor disputes in which at least one party is a private individual.
The Mediation Office assesses on a case-by-case basis whether mediation can be initiated. The assessment takes into account the nature of the offence or dispute, the circumstances, the consent of the parties and their capacity.
Cases involving intimate partner violence will not be mediated as of 1 January 2025.
Who is the service for
The service is open to all parties involved in an offence or a dispute in Finland. There is no age limit for participation. Each case is assessed individually. Approximately 20,000 people are referred to mediation each year, and, once initiated, a mediation process lasts on average around 2.5 months.
What you can expect from the service provider
When an initiative is received by the mediation office, professional staff will assess its suitability for mediation before the process begins. Mediation begins once all parties have given their consent, and the other required conditions are met. In the case of a minor, the consent of a guardian is also needed.
Mediation meetings are organised under the guidance of trained volunteer mediators. There are around 1,300 mediators for criminal and civil matters in Finland, and their work is supervised and supported by the professional staff of the mediation offices.
During mediation meetings, you can discuss the incident, share experiences and agree on compensation for damages. The mediators ensure that the process proceeds fairly, confidentially and with respect for the rights of all parties involved.
Fees and charges
The service is free of charge for you.
How to use the service and contact us
You can contact the mediation office in your area. The contact details can be found on the offices’ websites.
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