The Meaning of Fairness to Victims in Victim Offender Mediation

Source: (1989) Dissertation, University of Minnesota. Dissertation Abstracts International. Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 179p.

This study reports on the meaning of fairness to crime victims who had been referred to a victim offender mediation (VOM) program. Fifty victims of burglary in the Minneapolis area were interviewed for the study: 62% participated in a mediation session with their offender. The most frequent concern about fairness was related to the need for services to rehabilitate their offender. Compensation for their losses was the second most frequent concern, and punishment of their offender was third. A six category typology of victim perspectives of fairness is presented. Participants in mediation indicated a very high level of satisfaction and 86% found it helpful to meet the offender and negotiate a plan for restitution.