In the resolution of criminal charges, the victim often feels neglected, disempowered, and confused, and even a serious penalty does not provide the answers victims are seeking. Restorative Justice services offer the opportunity for the victim to be involved in a significant manner. Victim/Offender mediation is an opportunity to meet with a skilled neutral mediator in a selected and secure place and is the time to hear from the offender about how the crime came to be committed. At the same time the offender learns how the crime has impacted on the victim, their family and loved ones. Victim/offender mediation is not about guilt or innocence. That is decided in a court of law. It is about a deeper understanding of the crime and about repairing harm that has been done. Victim/offender mediation offers closure to the case, mitigates damage and injury and is a valuable experience for all participants.

What Happens at a Victim/Offender Mediation?

A Preferred Solutions mediator arranges for a meeting in an agreed time and place, depending on the circumstances of the offender. The victim and the offender can have support people there for this meeting. The mediator runs the meeting making sure everyone gets a chance to speak if they want. During the meeting, the parties review what happened, what brought the offender to commit the crime, how people have been effected by the crime and what can be done at this time to help repair the harm that was done. Preferred Solutions has skilled and experienced mediators to facilitate the dialogue between offenders and their victims.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding Victim/Offender Mediation services.