The mediation process is voluntary. The mediators role is to ensure that they are in full possession of the information they need in order to make an informed decision regarding their ongoing involvement. In terms of potential benefits to victims, first they are offered an expanded role in the criminal justice system. They receive an opportunity to communicate directly or indirectly with offenders and relay to them how they have been affected by this crime. It provides victims with an opportunity to receive an apology - written or verbal and the possibility of some gesture of reparation, be it financial, practical or symbolic.
Offenders also can benefit from the process.
They get the opportunity to apologise and demonstrate their genuine remorse for their actions before the Court. It presents them with the opportunity to start afresh, particularly if they are first time offenders. It is important that victims engage fully in the process. By that I mean they should use the opportunity they have to express whatever fears and feelings they have regarding the crime. Having said that there are certain ground-rules.