Plymouth & Exeter District

Mediation
"I would like to thank you for your time and patience..." A Stonehouse family June 2005      "Mediation has done a lot of good" Keyam Resident May 2005    "It helped us to get talking again...thank you" Crownhill Family May 2005    "I appreciate your involvement and would recommend your service to others. I would use your service again if I needed to. Many thanks…" Stoke Resident December 2004 "...I feel the improvement in our situation was due to the joint input from Plymouth Mediation and the police…" Plympton Resident December 2004 "...Without this we don't know what we would have done. Its nice to know people can help to resolve problems. Thank you for all your help…" Pennycross Resident September 2004 "..We are now friends with our neighbour again…" Ham Resident July 2004 "...It gave a sense of trying to resolve things…" Ford Resident November 2004

 Victim Offender Mediation

If a crime has been committed, the offender and the victim may be asked if they would be prepared to undertake mediation. If all parties are in agreement, then a trained mediator would visit everyone involved to discuss the mediation process and prepare you for the mediation meeting.

What happens in the meeting?

The aim of the meeting is to allow everyone present to have an opportunity to share in an understanding of why the crime was committed, who was affected by it and to focus on the future. What was done cannot be undone - however, things may be said in the meeting that may help in preventing things happening again. All those present should be respectful to others and treat what has been said with confidence.

  • Everyone will be given time to have their say and they will be able to listen to others
  • There will be an opportunity for discussion on how best the harm can be repaired.
  • An average meeting can last for about half an hour - but it can take as long as is needed by those invovled.
  • The meeting is voluntary for everyone and anyone can change their mind about attending at any time.

What are the benefits for the victims of crime?

For victims, it is an opportunity to express views and feelings and ask any questions that they may have of the offender. It is an opportunity to be really involved in a positive way.

  • Questions can be answered
  • Feelings can be expressed
  • Fears can be put to rest
  • An apology or compensation may be received

What are the benefits for the offender?

For those who have offended, it is an opportunity to understand who has been affected by the crime, to accept responsibility and to make amends. They also have the opportunity to have their say, to express their views and be listended to.

  • Accepting responsibility
  • Undertsanding how others have been affected
  • Being able to repair the harm
  • An opportunity to make a fresh start

(C) Plymouth & Exeter District Mediation 2005