In some instances, victims of crime are not interested in meeting directly with the person responsible for harm. SCVRJP provides restorative justice in these instances, with victim empathy seminars (VES). VES’s are Restorative Justice Circles focused on repairing the harm of similar situations.
Pre-registration/referral form required. Register at 5:45, sessions 6-8pm. Utilized when direct victims decline participating in a conference session. Focuses on the harm caused to community, what needs to happen to make things right, and how to make responsible community-based choices in the future. Cost for facilitation is $60.
Years of attendance:
- 2009 Attendance – 53
- 2010 Attendance – 85
- 2011 Attendance – 96
- 2012 Attendance – 132
Based on data from 2012 evaluation forms:
- 99% thought the circle was helpful to others
- 93.4% thought the circle was helpful to them
- 97.4% thought the service met most of their expectations
- 95.5% rated the program as above average
Participant feedback:
I like the fact that the community is trying to give guidance to those who could make a change in themselves.
I liked hearing other stories and how other people in similar situations are moving forward.
How members opened up and took responsibility for their actions.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the program was better than expected. The thing I liked most was: sharing and hearing from others’ perspectives (community member, victim)
