Victim Offender Dialogue
VICTIMS OF CRIME CHOOSING TO
MEET WITH THE OFFENDER
EMPOWERMENT
STRENGTH
RECOVERY
Crime victims and survivors usually experience stages of grief and recovery.
As time passes, some people may seek an opportunity to meet with their
offender.
They may want to talk about the harms caused, get answers to questions,
or express their feelings and concerns about the victimizing behavior
(crime). For some, this meeting can be helpful in their journey toward
recovery.
Upon request of crime victims or survivors in New Hampshire, Cheshire
Mediation will make appropriate referral for an initial screening to help
determine whether a facilitated dialogue may be appropriate and safe.
Cheshire Mediation also works in conjunction with the Office of Victims
Services from the Department of Corrections to conduct dialogues.
Victim-Offender Dialogue is NOT …
- Appropriate for everyone
- Counseling or therapy
- A quick fix or "cure" for all problems related to a crime
If you feel you need formal counseling for assistance in dealing with
the trauma and grief caused by crime, please consider seeking support
from an individual therapist or group counselors available in New Hampshire.
Victim-Offender Dialogue IS …
A conversation between the person harmed and person responsible for the
crime
- Victim-requested
- Victim-sensitive
- Victim-driven
- Empowering for victims and survivors who choose
to personally address the impacts of crime with the offender;
- Voluntary by each party;
- Supported by trained facilitators from NH
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