Anna Cattaneo promotes restorative justice through victim-offender dialogue

Anna Cattaneo, a pedagogue and mediator, is promoting restorative justice as a method to address the emotional and social consequences of crime. As president of InConTra ETS and coordinator of the Bergamo Restorative Justice Center, Cattaneo facilitates dialogues between victims and perpetrators to encourage mutual responsibility and reduce recidivism.

This approach, which gained a formal regulatory framework in Italy through the 2022 Cartabia reform, focuses on repairing damage and reconstructing relationships rather than serving as a direct alternative to traditional punishment. The process aims to interrupt the cycle of resentment and trauma that can lead to further violence.

Cattaneo’s work involves diverse cases, ranging from local incidents like pub brawls to high-profile historical figures such as former Brigate Rosse militant Franco Bonisoli. The upcoming 'Incontra' festival in Bergamo aims to further promote these opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation.