FAQs


Why would I choose to participate in the Victims' Voices Heard Dialogue Program?

Many victims feel the justice systems does not truly allow them to be heard and have their needs addressed. Some victims' feel the need to let the offender know how they feel about the crime or hear their offender express remorse before truly being able to move forward in their lives. Different people have different reasons - but at its core the process is designed to help victims move on and begin the journey of healing.

Who can ask for a dialogue?

Only the victim or their survivors can initiate the dialogue.

What if I don't feel able to meet with the offender face-to-face? Is there another way to express my feelings to him/her?

If, at any time during the process, a victim feels they cannot meet with the offender face-to-face, they will be given the option to videotape a statement to the offender and receive a videotape from the offender in return. Alternatively, the victim may choose to exchange letters through the Victims' Voices Heard office. Victims are given the opportunity to select the method of communication that they feel most comfortable with.

What if my offender will not agree to meet with me?

There is always the possibility that the offender may not be ready to meet with you. However, Victims' Voices Heard will keep your request to meet on file. If the offender changes their mind and contacts our office, one of our representatives will contact you about the possibility of beginning a dialogue.

How long will it take before I can meet with my offender? Who decides if we're ready?

There is a preparation process that both the victim and the offender must participate in before Victims' Voices Heard can determine if it is an appropriate time to begin a dialogue. We judge meeting times on a case by case basis, and the process can take from six months to a year to complete. A facilitator will work with both victims and offenders separately in order to determine when/if a meeting would be appropriate. When preparing offenders, facilitators will meet with the institution staff members and other individuals that can adequately evaluate the offender's readiness to participate in the dialogue.

Where will the dialogue take place?

Once it has been determined that a dialogue would be appropriate, the meeting will be held within the institution. Victims will be asked to complete forms that allow them to enter the institution. Once they are cleared, Victims will be given a complete tour of the area and institution that their offender is being held in before the face-to-face meeting.

What feelings can I expect after meeting with the offender?

There is no way to predict how a victim will feel after coming face-to-face with the person who caused them harm. However, our preparation process is designed to help assure victims that there will be no surprises during the dialogue. After the dialogue, Victims' Voices Heard will work with victims through a debriefing process and be available to provide any additional assistance or support that may be required. No matter how much work is done, victims cannot be sure of how they will feel after meeting with their offender. Talking to the person who has caused you harm does not mean you will no longer struggle with your feeling about that person. It is, however, a tool for helping victims close another chapter in the healing process.

Will the offender have to serve less time because they agree to meet with me?

Offenders cannot use the fact that they have met with their victim to achieve a reduced sentence. Offenders are told that if they choose to participate in the program they do so only because they want to do something to try and repair the harm caused to the victim. Meeting with the victim in your crime cannot be used at pardon or parole hearing, or to gain early release.

 

...we work to restore victims' lives and end repeated violence.