Source: (1989) In: M. Wright and B. Galaway (eds.), Mediation and Criminal Justice: Victims, Offenders and Community. London, UK: Sage Publications, pp. 99-112.
This essay considers the idea of applying victim/offender mediation techniques in cases of certain violent crimes against persons. It is suggested this requires a thorough assessment of the initial victim/offender reconciliation model and the identification of elements of that model which may require significant modification. As the case-studies reported in this chapter indicate, some of the most fundamental goals of the VORP model appear to be even more relevant when applied in some cases involving violent victim/offender conflict. After reviewing the current VORP model, five cases in which the victim/offender mediation process was used with very violent offenses are presented. Finally, specific and preliminary implications for modification of the initial process is identified.
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