Can a friend or support person attend the trial or mediation meeting?

A victim can ask a friend or, for example, a support person from Victim Support Finland to support him/her at trial. Victim Support Finland’s support person service is provided free of charge. A request can be made with the form below

In mediation, the victim does not have an actual right to the presence of a support person, but this can be negotiated. The opinion of the offender shall be taken into account. The starting point for mediation is the payment of compensation to the victim and thus, the victim should have the right to take a support person with him/her in the same way as to court.