ROSA JANSEN
Asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength.
Interview with Rosa Jansen | by Tamara Swart
Rosa Jansen, Chair of Slachtofferhulp Nederland and the Stichting Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling, has an impressive career in the judiciary and victim support. After studying Dutch law at Leiden University and completing an MPA program in The Hague and Canada, she worked as a lawyer and judge at various courts. She led the criminal sector in Utrecht and served as Chair of SSR, the training institute for the judiciary, and was Chair of the NVvR (the Dutch Association of Judges and Public Prosecutors). Since 2017, she has focused on victim support and restorative justice, where she is also active internationally as President of Victim Support Europe in Brussels. Rosa has published various articles on the judiciary, innovation, and leadership, and is committed to a society that better understands and supports victims.
Reframing victims
Society is not yet ready to show sufficient understanding for what people have gone through. A bouquet of flowers and a candle works, but full-fledged support is perceived by society as a burden. That is one of the reasons why we focus on the maturation of society. We need to 'refram' the position of victims in society. Society must stand behind them and understand what is happening, which makes things easier for victims and care providers. However, explaining this process is often complex and is not always received positively.
The future of aid
As a society, we must critically examine how we support victims. The criminal process often focuses on the perpetrator, whereas victims are seeking truth, recognition, and restoration of honor. The criminal process often fails to provide these elements, or provides them only insufficiently. We must find new ways to address this, ensuring that victims truly receive the help they need. A parallel process should be established alongside the criminal process that offers victims exactly what they need from day one.
Resilience and humor
Many people who experience something serious show resilience and humor. Despite their difficult experiences, they often manage to touch upon a lighter side in their story. That inspires us to emphasize this positive aspect as well. It is about how we can guide society through a long process of understanding and empathy, so that the discomfort of ignorance is replaced by collective maturation.
Human connection
When I was a judge, I always saw the human being behind the defendant or the victim. Certainly twenty years ago, the victim was often still a silent party in the courtroom. I always tried to make contact, even though that was complicated as a judge, because you run the risk of being challenged. I personally found it important to simply acknowledge that the victim or surviving relative was present in the courtroom, or to make eye contact for a moment. Later, those involved told me that they had found this valuable. The victim is the only one in the courtroom who did not choose to be there. That deserves recognition.
Tipping point
As a judge, I increasingly realized that I could not change the system from within the judiciary. Judges often work without much opposition, which can be a disadvantage for further development. Ultimately, I decided to make the switch and focus on direct support and awareness. This was a turning point in my life, prompted by my encounters with bereaved families and victims. I wanted not only to bring their stories into the courtroom but also to give them a broader platform.
Professional balance
When hearing the stories of victims, I try to organize my mind. It helps me to reflect on the conversations and consider how we, as a society, can help. Talking to colleagues is also important, but I also embrace the emotions that come with my work. I believe that suppressing emotions actually causes more stress. As a professional, you must be able to withstand the toughest stories and bear the emotions of others.
Inspiration from the power of victims
A case that has always stayed with me was that of a boy who had taken the life of his younger sister. His parents were both survivors, parents of the victim, and parents of the perpetrator. These kinds of complex situations call for almost superhuman wisdom. It is impressive how people, despite immense tragedies, find the strength to move on and take new steps in their lives. That inspires me every day in my contact with victims and survivors.
A message to victims
For victims, it is important to have one person with whom they can speak freely. Someone who approaches them as a human being and not solely as a victim. Additionally, I hope that art or stories can help them see beauty, even in difficult times. It is important to hold on to what is beautiful and what keeps life alive.
