MAY 5 MEDIA RELEASE (LIMA)__Crime Victim Services is seeking volunteer facilitators to mediate conversations between crime victims and those who harmed them. 

Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) is a nationally recognized restorative justice process that offers victims of crime the opportunity to meet with offenders in a safe, structured setting, to talk about what happened and how it has affected them. As part of the healing process, victims can get answers to questions,  describe the impact a crime has had on them, and express their feelings. Offenders have the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact they have had on others, and do what they can to make things right.

According to Crime Victim Services Executive Director, Amy Wiechart-Bayliff, “Victim Offender Dialogues can be very helpful for both victims and offenders and can benefit the community at large.  They increase satisfaction with the criminal justice process and decrease the likelihood of future offenses. We are excited to revitalize our VOD program as one of the many services we provide to the community.” 

Volunteer facilitators will receive training in mediation and restorative justice. Working with a co-facilitator, they will handle cases referred by criminal justice authorities and other Crime Victim Services programs. Facilitators should have good communication skills and be able to remain calm, helping to de-escalate conflict during very emotional conversations. They must be able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and treat everyone with fairness and impartiality. 

“Facilitating Victim Offender Dialogues is challenging work, but it can be very rewarding,” said David Orr, coordinator of the program. “Helping people recover from the harm done and begin to move forward in a positive way  is very gratifying.” 

For information, or to apply to become a volunteer VOD facilitator, call Crime Victim Services 419-222-8666 or email [email protected].