Victim-Offender Mediation

Explanation

Victim-offender mediation (VOM) is a key practice within restorative justice. It provides a safe and facilitated setting in which the victim and the offender voluntarily meet to discuss the harm, express their perspectives, and work toward mutual understanding and agreement. A trained mediator ensures that the dialogue remains constructive and respectful.

The process aims to empower both parties, promote offender accountability, and enable victims to ask questions, share the emotional and practical impact of the offense, and participate in determining suitable reparations. VOM has been shown to increase victim satisfaction, reduce recidivism, and support community-based alternatives to incarceration.