VICTIMIZATION, VICTIMS' NEEDS, AND EMPOWERMENT IN VICTIM OFFENDER MEDIATION

This exploratory qualitative study examined victims' experiences in a Victim Offender Mediation (VOM). The focus was on the needs of the victims and to what extent the needs were met through VOM. In addition to prolonged observations, we conducted 34 interviews with VOM participants from four completed VOM cases that were processed in one mid-sized Midwestern city in the United States. Victims identified three critical needs: I) sharing victimization; 2) acquiring further information; and 3) receiving a sincere apology. Victims indicated that the first two activities deepened their understandings about the incidents and consequently led them to be empowered. However, the lack of receiving a perceived sincere apology was in contrast. We discuss this gap through the lens of empowerment theories and make recommendations to promote empowering restorative justice for victims.