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Victim Offender Mediation

Victim offender mediation is a contact between victim and offender, that gives them the opportunity to look at the crime in a different perspective. By getting to know the consequences, motives and answers of a crime the victim and offender may relate differently to each other. This can help them dealing with the consequences of the crime.

Does this suit me?

A victim offender mediation is meant for anyone who has committed a crime and those who became victims of a crime. In the case of an accident, the victim and the perpetrator can meet each other in a so called victim perpetrator mediation. Victims can ask questions about the crime or confront the offender with the consequences. Offenders can answer questions to help the victim and show sympathy for what's happened. A mediation can take place at any time.

Procedure

A mediation between victim and offender follows a set procedure from the beginning until the end. A victim offender mediation always occurs under the guidance of a professional mediator who works for Victim in Focus. This intermediary does not choose side, but will consult with both victim and offender about their needs and the best way to get in contact with each other. Victim and offender always participate fully voluntarily and the mediation is confidential. 

There are several ways for victims and offenders to get in contact:

• the actual victim offender meeting is a one on one conversation between the victim and the offender under accompaniment of a mediator
• another form is a conference, in which case also the social network (for example family, friends or social worker) of both victim and offender is present during the mediation
• exchange of messages, where the mediator transmits oral messages -or written correspondence - between victim and offender back and forth.

The mediator will discuss the desired form of contact with the parties concerned. Registration can be done by filling in the form on this website. Applicants can also contact our office, phonenumber (0031)030 - 2340045 or send an email.

Courses

Victim in Focus organizes courses for offenders and professionals that work with them. These courses aime to increase the empathy and responsibility of offenders and to give professionals the tools to talk with offenders about guilt and victims and to stimulate them in taking responsibility. For more information, please contact our office in Utrecht, phonenumber (0031)030 - 2340045 or send an email.