Restorative Dialogue Program
In the Restorative Dialogue program, the victim, the offender and the community are concerned with three things:
- The facts – what happened and why
- The consequences – the impact or harm done
- The future – what outcomes or agreement needs to be in place to redress the harm and prevent similar incidents
Restorative Dialogue is a voluntary process that provides an opportunity for interested victims and offenders to meet face-to-face in a safe and structured setting.
Trained facilitators prepare the parties for the meeting, and guide them through the dialogue process. The victim may ask the offender questions about the crime. The victim may also tell the offender how the crime has personally impacted them – physically, emotionally or financially.
The offender is provided with an opportunity to take responsibility for the crime, to answer the victim’s questions, and together with the victim decide how the offender will be accountable in a way meaningful for both victim and offender.
Restorative Dialogue is flexible and can be adapted to meet cultural and diverse needs.
The results of Restorative Dialogue will depend on the needs of the parties involved and the behaviour being addressed. Answers to questions, an apology, or a formal written agreement are all possible.
You can learn more about Restorative Dialogue by reading about the principles behind it, or you can look at a list of questions frequently asked about it.
MRJC offers two services in its Restorative Dialogue program: Victim Offender Restorative Dialogue and Building Safer Ground, a program designed for relationships.
If you have any questions about Restorative Dialogue, our programs, or about us, please contact us.
