They may choose to create a mutually agreeable plan to repair any damages that occurred as a result of the crime. The idea of bringing together a victim of a crime and the person who committed that crime is based on age-old values of justice, accountability, and restoration. Through this process, crime victims have an opportunity to get answers to their questions about the crime and the person who committed it. They take an active role in getting their material and emotional needs met. Research indicates that victims who participate in VOM receive more restitution than those who do not and feel safer and less fearful afterwards than those who do not.
Offenders have an opportunity to take responsibility for what they have done.
They learn the impact of their actions on others. They take an active role in making things right, for example, through restitution, apology, or community service. Research indicates that offenders who participate in VOM feel they were treated more fairly than those who do not, and have a higher rate of restitution completion than those who do not. Research has found high levels of participant satisfaction in victim-offender mediation, conferencing, and circles. . Maintained by Duane Ruth-Heffelbower.