A Victim-Offender Conference involves the direct victim involves victim representatives. Every effort is made to include victims in the manner they determine. Victims have the right to participate fully, decline participation, send a representative or simply provide information. Case-by-case referrals process. SCVRJP can explain the process to interested victims, they determine their level of participation. Read more…
No charge to victims; fee for offenders $60.
Why would a victim participate?
Restorative Justice is not for everyone. For those interested in explaining how they were impacted and asking questions about the harm, this process is very beneficial. Victims are given the opportunity to provide input about what is needed to repair the harm. Victims can participate with the offenders directly involved or with offenders that have committed a similar crime.
How does this work?
If you are going to participate in a conference a SCVRJP representative will meet with you and provide detail details about the process and answer any questions. Conferences typically involve victims, offenders and community members. Both victims and offenders may have support people present. Referrals for this program come from the community, law enforcement, human services and the legal system.
Why are community members involved?
Reintegrating both the victims and offenders into a peaceful community is part of Restorative Justice. Community members are volunteers willing to address these issues in a supportive environment. Community members assist in supporting expectations and plan to repair the harm.
What happens at a conference?
Everyone is fully prepared before the meeting. The conference is facilitated by trained staff or a SCVRJP volunteers. Addressing what happened, how people were impacted and plan for action are that primary steps involved. Offenders are provided the opportunity to be responsible for their actions, by explaining what they did, answering questions and contributing to a plan to repair the harm. Victims are able to express how they were impacted and ask any questions. This RJ Questions Handout illustrates the tone a conference.
