Courts Expand Implementation of Violence Reduction Course
Latvian courts are increasingly requiring offenders to attend violence reduction courses as part of temporary protection measures for victims.
In Latvia, particularly in Riga, courts are increasingly mandating that offenders attend violence reduction behavior courses while determining temporary protection for victims. Justice Minister Inese Lībiņa-Egnere noted that in 2025, there were 614 court decisions made requiring offenders to participate in these programs, with 21 decisions already issued in the first two weeks of the current year. These courses are provided across the country by a training center led by psychologist Sandra Freimane.
The justice minister also highlighted recent regulatory changes that create financial incentives for offenders to start these programs promptly. If the courses are commenced within three months of the court's order, the offenders only need to pay 10% of the course fee; however, if they delay, they must bear the full cost. This initiative aims to encourage early intervention and compliance in managing violent behavior among offenders to enhance the safety of victims.
Judges are optimistic about the positive effects of these programs, as participants begin to understand the nature of their actions and reflect on their behavior. Despite the short-term positive outcomes observed, the long-term effects of such courses on behavioral change are still considered difficult to assess, indicating a need for ongoing research and evaluation of these interventions for better effectiveness.