Victim-Offender Dialogue Program
What is the Montana Department of Corrections Victim-Offender Dailogue Program?
Victim Offender Dialogue through MDOC is a program in which the victim of afelony crime and the adult offender who committed the crime meet with a facilitator (sometimes called a mediator) to discuss the crime. The focus is on the harm done to the victim and the offender's responsibility.
Why might a victim want to meet with the offender?
Victims often have questions only the offenders can answer. What actually happened before and during the crime? What were my loved one's last words? Why did you pick me? What did you do with our belongings that you stole?
Victims may want to tell the offender their story--how their lives have been affected by the crime and how they feel about what happened.
Victims often want to know about life inside the prison, what kind of person the offender is, and whether he or she is sorry.
Why might an offender want to meet with the victim?
Some offenders want an opportunity to apologize to the victims, to express remorse for the crimes they committed.
Answering the victim's questions and providing details about the crime is one way the offender can attempt to make amends
Back to TopWho can participate in Victim-Offender Dialogue?
Victims of adult felony offenders in MDOC facilities or prgrams are invited to request Victim-Offender Dialogue by calling the Victim Information Specialist toll free at (888) 223-6332. A victim might also ask a family member, counselor, local victim advocate or other trusted person to make the initial call to MDOC.
Offenders are not allowed to initiate a Victim-Offender Dialogue under the MDOC Program. An offender may choose to participate or not participate after the victim requests it. Offenders receive no tangible benefits for participating
How does the Victim-Offender Diaolgue process work?
Preparation for the actual Victim-Offender Dialogue will take several months because careful planning is so important. The process is not for everyone, so each case is carefully reviewed by MDOC and the facilitator.
MDOC will not allowVictim-Offender Dialogue in cases involving domestic violence of stalking. Crimes against children may be mediated with the victim's parent or legal guardian. Minors may not participate directly.
Each case is assigned to one or two trained facilitators who will meet separately with the victim and the offender to prepare for the Dialogue. Both parties are encouraged to have a support person with them throughout the process.
MDOC determines if a case is appropriate for Victim-Offender Dialogue.
Victim-Offender Dialogue Program Brochure
