What role do victim-offender mediation sessions play in restorative justice?

Victim-offender mediation sessions play a crucial role in restorative justice by allowing both the victim and the offender to come together in a structured environment to discuss the harm caused by the offense and its impact. This dialogue aims to foster understanding, empathy, and healing. During these sessions, one of the primary outcomes can be the negotiation of restitution amounts, which are compensatory payments that the offender agrees to make to the victim. This aspect emphasizes that the offender takes responsibility for their actions by addressing the victim's needs and contributing to making things right.

The focus of restorative justice is not solely punitive but rather aims to restore the relationship between the victim and the offender through meaningful dialogue and reparative actions. Therefore, negotiating restitution can be a key component of this process, as it directly addresses the harm and seeks to restore the victim’s well-being.

In contrast, determining a sentence, negotiating plea bargains, or assigning community service examples might relate to the broader criminal justice system rather than the specific aspects of restorative justice that aim to repair harm and restore relationships between victims and offenders.