THE APOLOGY LETTER BANK
The Purpose and Content of Offender Apology Letters
Offender apology letters frequently aim to convey recognition of wrongdoing, harm, accountability, and the distress or suffering inflicted. They are crafted to reach out to the offender's specific victim and do not serve as a means to provide justifications or seek forgiveness.
Our Program is an Opportunity
HOW IT WORKS
Interested victims register to be notified if an apology letter is submitted. Once a letter is submitted, VVH will contact the registered victim and offer to forward the letter. Incarcerated offenders write letters of apology to their victims and submit them to the Letter Bank.
- Writing a letter does not impact offender's release date or conditions
- Offenders will never know if their letter has been received
The only way to be notified of a letter on file is to contact Victims' Voices Heard. VVH will not contact you.
Guidelines:
- The Department of Correction attempts to make sure that apology letters are never sent directly to victims, victim's families or victim advocates.
- Only the victim may initiate the apology letter process.
- The victim can determine if and when the apology letter will be accepted.
- The victim can determine whether or not the offender is informed that the victim requested, received and has read the apology letter.
- All apology letters are reviewed by designated letter screeners.
- Involvement in the apology letter process will not affect the offender's release date or other conditions of incarceration.
WE WORK TO RESTORE VICTIMS' LIVES...