A volunteer mediator’s perspective:
"The conversation with the person who feels so misunderstood was one
of the deepest and most moving experiences of my life. By talking about her
experience, she was able to get some clarity and see her part in the misunderstanding,
and understand the pain of the other people who felt harmed.”
An offender speaking to a victim:
"I’m experiencing the results of my crime right now in jail, by
paying restitution and by being on probation. But you will live the pain of
what I did to you and your family for the rest of your life. You are suffering
much more than I ever will. For that, saying I’m sorry will never be
enough.”
A victim speaking about an offense:
"Yes, there was financial loss for our family. But the betrayal of the
trust that I had in that person is a deep wound and makes it hard for me to
trust anyone.”
A victim speaking to an offender:
"You have been hurt in this crime also. All I want now, after meeting
you, is to keep in touch with you and know that your choices will be wiser
and that your life will be better.”