Mediator or facilitator describes the offense, and offender then speaks, with the victim simply asking a few questions or responding to questions of the mediator. Highly directive style of mediation or facilitation, with the mediator talking most of the time, continually asking both the victim and offender questions, but little if any direct dialogue between the involved parties. Low tolerance of moments of silence or expression of feelings. Voluntary for victim but required of offender regardless of whether he or she takes responsibility. Victim Sensitive Focus Primary focus is on providing an opportunity for victim and offender to talk directly to each other, to allow victims to express the full impact of the crime upon their lives and to receive answers to important questions they have, and to allow offenders to learn the real human impact of their behavior and to take direct responsibility for making things right.
Restitution is important but secondary to talking about the impact of the crime.
Victims are continually given choices throughout the process, such as where to meet and whom they would like to have present. Separate preparation meetings with victim and offender prior to bringing them together, with emphasis upon listening to how the crime has affected them, identifying their needs, and preparing them for the mediation or conference session. High tolerance for expression of feelings and full impact of crime. Voluntary attendance for victim and offender. Trained community volunteers serve as mediators or comediators along with agency staff.