Victim-Offender Dialogues

Who can refer people to conferences?
What do victims gain from conferences?
Why would an offender want to participate?
What are some possible issues?
Who are the facilitators?

Who can refer people to dialogues?

Referrals for this program come from victims themselves.

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What do victims gain from dialogues?

• An opportunity to be heard by the offender in a safe environment with the assistance of a mediator
• A chance to actively resolve the hostility or tension with the offender
• An opportunity to ask questions about the incident
• An opportunity to help an offender understand the personal impact of crime
• A chance to resolve a painful incident in a positive way
  

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Why would an offender want to participate?

• To explain the circumstances surrounding the case to the victim in a safe environment
• To ease any ongoing tension between the offender and the victim
• To apologize to the victim, if the offender chooses
• To put the crime behind the offender in a positive way
  

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What are some possible issues?

Currently these services are only available to victims of severe violence. 
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Who are the facilitators?

Two members of Cheshire Mediation were among 20 facilitators who participated in a week-long, state-wide training.  Cheshire Mediation staff have received over 100 hours of training in facilitation of victim offender dialogues and serves on the advisory board of the state-wide project.

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