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Summary
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Victim-offender mediation has largely been used with property offenders. However, recent experience with juveniles in Oklahoma correctional institutions and adults in the Genesee County (NY) jail suggests that the concept can be applied to violent offense cases. A report describes victim-offender mediation programs, based on interviews with victims and criminal justice officials, and reviews the literature. Findings suggest that face-to-face contact between victim and offender may be appropriate in certain cases involving violent criminal behavior. Such an approach requires extreme sensitivity, particularly when informing victims of its possible use, and casework services for victims and offenders should be used when necessary.
