Through mediation, participants resolve their disputes themselves. The agreements they reach are determined by them and by no one else. Thus, the participants have more control over the outcome of their disputes than they do when the dispute goes to arbitration, where either a resolution panel or a resolution officer makes the decisions. People are, generally, more satisfied with resolutions they actively create than with those imposed upon them by someone el se. Those who reach their own Mediated Agreement are more likely to follow through and comply with it than those whose disputes have been resolved by a third-party.
Mediated Agreements tend to last over time.
There are several other advantages. Mediation resolves disputes more quickly, allowing the participants to get on with their lives. The mediation forum also gives the participants an opportunity to express themselves and to hear the thoughts of other pa rticipants. Therefore, people who participate in mediation often feel more empowered than those who use other forms of dispute resolution. Usually, the RC will not permit the participants to mediate when the circumstances involve violence or contact of a sexual nature.