Resources
ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE VICTIM
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: HEALING THE WOUNDS CAUSED BY CRIME
The opportunity to explore ideas with the victims and their families regarding options for restorative justice is not about seeking a favorable outcome for the defendant.
Practices and programs reflecting restorative purposes will respond to crime by:
Identifying and implementing steps to repair harm
Involving all stakeholders
Transforming the traditional relationship between communities and their governments in responding to crime.
Victims often have many misconceptions about the offense, the client, and his or her history. They may be unaware of available options for meaningful consequences:
Victim-Offender Mediation is a process that provides interested victims an opportunity to meet their offender, in a safe and structured setting, and engage in a mediated discussion of the crime.
Family Circles - victims may bring family members to mediation
Restitution – reimbursement for losses and support needed to restore the victim to wholeness, donation to a charity of the victim’s choice, or some meaningful alternative action whose significance can only be discovered in conversation with the victims.
Letters of Apology-letter from the defendant to the victim regarding their offense.