Can you work for the victim and the offender?

by Lisa Rea

I had two things happen to me recently that gave me pause. It is the story of two people. One is the story of a crime victim. The other is a story of an ex-offender.

The crime victim lost her husband to murder years ago in California. I've known this woman largely via email for many years as we both have worked for justice reform. This victim worked for an organization in California that often took positions regarding prison and sentencing  policies than have not been positions I could support as an advocate of restorative justice. But regardless, she and I have been "friends". In time, I believe she saw me as a supporter of crime victims, something that I have worked hard to be. She was a good person and a nice human being.

Jun 21, 2010 Offender, Support, Correspondent:Lisa Rea, Community, Victim, Restitution

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Lisa Rea interviews Stephen Watt

By Lisa Rea:

The following interview is with Stephen Watt, a former Wyoming state trooper and two term state legislator who was shot multiple times by a fleeing bank robber. Lisa Rea's interview focuses on how the impact of a severely violent crime continues 20 years later. Mr. Watt has met with the offender, forgiven him and a friendly relationship has grown up between them. Nevertheless, he continues to suffer. Can restorative justice open doors for further healing in a victim of violent crime who is suffering continuing, severe trauma?

Nov 05, 2009 Story, Correspondent:Lisa Rea, Support, Practice, Victim, Restitution

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Victims abused then denied care: 8 states allow practice

by Lisa Rea

After reading the news story on MSNBC I was astounded. The story tells of the denial of health care insurance to victims of domestic violence in the U.S.  This apparently has been going on for quite a while in the U.S. but most of us probably never heard about this appalling fact.   As the story reads, a 1994 survey conducted by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee found that 8 of 16  U.S. insurers denied coverage to applicants due to domestic violence. You'd think maybe we were talking about the offender (i.e. the abuser) being denied coverage but, no, we're talking about the victim of domestic violence. In the U.S. health insurance companies can deny coverage without explaining why that coverage is being denied.

Oct 14, 2009 Correspondent:Lisa Rea, Support, Victim, Case:Domestic Violence, Restitution

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Dark charges from Mahony's inner circle

by Lisa Rea.

When I read this column on the clergy abuse scandal written by Steve Lopez in the Los Angeles Times it was like getting an immediate migraine headache. I have followed the sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church closely since the first public eruption in 2000/2001. I know I'm not alone. But my interest led me to speak out on this subject publicly because of my deep commitment to restorative justice and its great value to victims of crime and offenders as well. But my passion to do more than speak about it privately to my own circle of friends and family was because this subject mixes abuse of children with faith. Since I am a committed Christian these news stories have appalled me deeply. It has offended me as a Christian. And then there are the victims. 

Oct 06, 2009 Correspondent:Lisa Rea, Support, Victim, Case:Sexual, Restitution

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