NCJ Number
118334
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
As the case studies reported in this chapter indicate, some of the most fundamental goals of the Victim/Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) may be even more relevant when applied in some cases involving violent victim/offender conflict.
Abstract
The case studies involve armed robbery, sexual assault, assault on a police officer, negligent homicide, and a sniper shooting. Although the VORP model was designed for nonviolent property crimes involving a restitution obligation, the findings reported in this chapter suggest that the VORP model is no less appropriate in selected violent crimes. Drawing on the most fundamental element of the model, that of promoting reconciliation and healing within a context of viewing crime as relational (conflict between people), consideration should be given to modifying the VORP model to increase its usefulness for victims and offenders involved in violent crime. Some basic principles should be considered in these modifications. One principle is to exercise sensitivity in timing an approach to a violent crime victim regarding mediation. Experience suggests that several months must pass before suggesting the possibility of VORP. A second principle is that at no point should a victim be forced, coerced, or manipulated into mediation with an offender. Finally, mediators should offer additional counseling and support services to the victim and offender or assist them in securing such services. 1 table, 8 references.