NCJ Number
114150
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 378-395
Date Published
1988
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a victim-offender mediation project in South Yorkshire, England.
Abstract
The research was carried out between September 1984 and December 1985. Twenty-one victims and 24 offenders were interviewed. Fifteen victims had met their offenders; 13 offenders had met their victims. Some victims refused to meet with their offenders for fear of being thought foolish in accepting an apology by one who did not mean it. Of those victims who met with their offenders, some were able to express their fear and anger and achieve some measure of reconciliation. Offenders frequently did not meet with their victims because of their fear of humiliation. Offenders who did meet their victims expressed alarm at meeting the victim. The probation officers who acted as mediators in these meetings expressed discomfort with the mediation role. The study concludes that real communication is possible between offenders and victims, but the task of bringing together victim and offender might be better carried out by non-professional volunteers from the community. 26 references.