There is not a day that is not reported in the media about burglaries, theft, drug trafficking, sexual violence, murder, honor killings and other crimes. There has been a noted spike in residential burglaries and, particularly propane and diesel fuel thefts from residences. Reports of sexual harassment, including inappropriate physical contact, stalking, and indecent exposure against women are also regularly reported. Many of the incidents have taken place in smaller towns outside of Amman, but several have occurred within the capital’s city limits. Many involve taxi drivers who sometimes inappropriately touch female customers who sit in the front passenger seat.

Against this background, the workshop focused on raising awareness among young people with regard to a conscious perception of crimes, informing them about Jordanian laws and how they are applied, how the prison system works, and what penalties, particularly juvenile offenders, must expect.

A problem that is also growing in Jordan in recent times is that people, to get right, take the law into their own hands as they do not feel that laws are equally applied to all. The lack of public trust in the state-owned institutions is growing.

The mostly young participants from all over Jordan were able to discuss their experiences, concerns and fears with judges, attorneys and representatives of the security agencies. Furthermore they talked about possibilities which could be taken by the society (families, friends, etc.) to reintegrate criminals into the community.