Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD)
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WHAT IS VICTIM OFFENDER DIALOGUE (VOD)?
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In 2011, the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation instituting restorative justice practices in the Department of Corrections, eventually paving the way for Victim Offender Dialogues (VOD) (C.R.S.A. § 17-28-103). The VOD is a facilitated process which occurs between victims, survivors, or family survivors of serious, violent crime and the offender in their case.
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Most often, the VOD process results in a facilitated face-to-face meeting between the victim or survivor and the offender. The overall goal of this process is to provide victims and survivors the opportunity to tell their story, express the impacts of the crime on their lives, and hear the offender take direct accountability for the harm caused. The VOD process is also an opportunity for the victim or survivor to ask questions that only the offender can truly answer.
The dialogue takes place in a safe and structured environment in the presence of a trained facilitator, sometimes years after the conviction. However, before the VOD process can occur, several factors must be taken into consideration.
Several successful VODs have taken place in Colorado since 2011, with victims and survivors gaining a sense of satisfaction and healing and offenders experiencing a new level of remorse and transformation. Here are some of their stories:
The dialogue takes place in a safe and structured environment in the presence of a trained facilitator, sometimes years after the conviction. However, before the VOD process can occur, several factors must be taken into consideration.
- All VODs must be victim-initiated; the offender cannot initiate a dialogue.
- All parties must voluntarily agree to participate in the process.
- In order to participate, the offender must take full, personal responsibility for their choices and actions that resulted in the offense.
- All parties engage in a series of preparation meetings to help them get ready for the dialogue. A trained VOD facilitator will meet with both the victim/survivor and the offender as many times as necessary leading up to the actual dialogue, in order to ensure safety and suitability for participation.
Several successful VODs have taken place in Colorado since 2011, with victims and survivors gaining a sense of satisfaction and healing and offenders experiencing a new level of remorse and transformation. Here are some of their stories:
WHY PARTICIPATE IN THE VOD PROCESS?
Every crime is unique, and so are the reasons why crime victims and survivors participate in the VOD process. Some victims and survivors feel frustrated and ignored by the criminal justice system, which views crime as against "the state." Others believe that they were silenced and made voiceless by a system that did not offer them an opportunity to talk about the impact the crime had on them and their family. Still, some victims and survivors watch helplessly as their offender is tried and convicted and is never held accountable for answering questions about the crime. Since many of these thoughts, feelings, and questions continue to linger for years after the crime, many victims and survivors feel that they cannot move forward on their healing journey and wish for an opportunity to meet with their offender.
Therefore, VOD is a restorative dialogue designed so that the harm done and resulting needs of victims and survivors are at the center of the process. It is from this victim-centered approach that victims and survivors have the opportunity to be heard, by telling the offender the full impact of the crime. The ability to be heard can often bring a sense of empowerment and validation to their experience. Additionally, the dialogue process allows the offender to hear and better understand the effect of their actions. While the VOD process can lead to healing for the victim or survivor, it does not have to lead to forgiveness or reconciliation. As a victim-centered process, the victim/ survivor makes decisions that guide the dialogue and agenda, including whether or not to voluntarily forgive their offender.
Download the VOD program brochure to learn more or to share it with a friend or client who might benefit from the VOD process.
Therefore, VOD is a restorative dialogue designed so that the harm done and resulting needs of victims and survivors are at the center of the process. It is from this victim-centered approach that victims and survivors have the opportunity to be heard, by telling the offender the full impact of the crime. The ability to be heard can often bring a sense of empowerment and validation to their experience. Additionally, the dialogue process allows the offender to hear and better understand the effect of their actions. While the VOD process can lead to healing for the victim or survivor, it does not have to lead to forgiveness or reconciliation. As a victim-centered process, the victim/ survivor makes decisions that guide the dialogue and agenda, including whether or not to voluntarily forgive their offender.
Download the VOD program brochure to learn more or to share it with a friend or client who might benefit from the VOD process.
Click the above image to view or download the brochure.
To learn more about restorative justice and the VOD process, please contact COVA's VOD Community Outreach Coordinator, Mary McGhee, at 303-547-5050 or at the following e-mail:
