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                                    Resources
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                                    Topics In Corrections
                                    Resources On Victim Offender Dialogue

      

                    
          
    Resources on Victim Offender Dialogue
Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), also known as Restorative Justice Dialogue or Victim Offender Mediation, is a process that brings together victims of a crime and the individuals who have harmed them. It provides an opportunity for both parties to engage in open and facilitated communication with the goal of addressing the harm caused, understanding the impact of the offense, and finding ways to promote healing and resolution.

During a Victim Offender Dialogue, participants may share their experiences, express emotions, ask questions, and discuss the consequences of the crime. The process is typically guided by a trained facilitator who ensures a safe and respectful environment for all involved. The dialogue can take various formats, such as face-to-face meetings, indirect communication through letters or messages, or even virtual platforms.

The purpose of Victim Offender Dialogue is not to replace or undermine the criminal justice system but to complement it by providing an alternative approach that focuses on repairing the harm caused to victims and promoting accountability for offenders. It allows victims to have a voice, be heard, and seek answers to their questions, while offenders can gain insight into the impact of their actions and take responsibility for their behavior.

Restorative justice practices like Victim Offender Dialogue have shown potential benefits, including increased victim satisfaction, reduced recidivism rates, and improved emotional well-being for both victims and offenders. However, it's important to note that participation in such dialogues is voluntary and depends on the willingness and readiness of all parties involved.

If you have any specific questions or need further information about Victim Offender Dialogue, feel free to ask.

Resources by topic area for Victim Offender Dialogue. For additional information, trainings and materials for Post Conviction Victim Service Providers go to: Post-Conviction Victim Service Providers.

    Resource Links
          20 Essential Principles for Corrections-Based Victim Services
                   Parent Initiative
          Post-Conviction Victim Service Providers



This page focuses on victim services in corrections, reentry, parole, and probation that occur after an offender has been convicted. Many states provide post-conviction victims' rights such as notification, protection, assistance with restitution, and referrals to crime victim services.

  Related Initiatives
          Resources for Victim Service Providers
          Resources on Victim Offender Dialogue

Topic Categories and Resources
The following grey bars are accordions that can be expanded to show a list of "top-shelf" resources that have been hand-picked by our library team around this topic. If you would like additional research assistance on this topic, please contact our help desk. They have access to specialized databases and thousands of resources you won't find online. Click on a grey box below to browse resources in that section.
            
      Accordion    Example Programs
      
      Victim Offender Mediation Programs in Texas

            
      
Results are presented from an assessment of Texas' victim offender mediation (VOM) programs. Sections of this report include: victim offender mediation background; VOM programs in Texas; VOM in Dallas, Tarrant, and Travis juvenile probation departments; and conclusions and recommendations
  
      Facilitated Dialogue Program in Oregon
              Accordion    General
      
      Post-Conviction Victim Service Providers: Selected Resources Annotated Bibliography

            
      
Victims have statutory rights that begin the moment a crime is committed against them. Ideally, victims would be fully informed of their rights at every step in the process: at the time the crime is reported, during the justice process, while the offender is incarcerated, and when the offender
  
      Victim Offender/Impact Dialogue: Links to Corrections-Based Offices of Victim Services by State
              Victim Offender Dialogue
              Accordion    Policies
      
      Survey Of Select State Laws Explicitly Addressing The Confidentiality Of Victim Offender Dialogues (2017)
              Victim Offender Dialogue Policies (2014)
              Accordion    Research
      
      Putting a Human Face on Crimes: A Qualitative Study on Restorative Justice Processes for Youths (2011)
              Victim-Offender Mediation: Three Decades of Practice and Research (2004)
              Executive Summary: Victim Offender Dialogue in Crimes of Severe Violence A Multi-Site Study of Programs in Texas and Ohio (2002)
              Accordion    Tools
      
      Exit Interview for Victims and Offenders Following a Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD)
              VOD Immediate Oral Debrief: Suggestions Questions
              Accordion    Training
      
      Oregon and Washington State DOCs receive NIC-Sponsored Facilitated Dialogue Training
              Dialogue-Driven Victim Offender Mediation Training Manual A Composite Collection of Training Resource Materials (2015)
              Accordion    Videos
      
      Undefinable Relationship (2015)
              Victim Offender Dialogue
              Meeting with a Killer (2011)

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