Narrative Essay On Victim Offender Mediation

I’m walked into a small room after being searched and checked into Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women; the prison where the killer of my son is currently enduring two life sentences. I look at the metal chairs, three of them, one on one side of a table and two on the other, and take a seat as I was instructed. Shortly after I arrive, the professional mediator comes in the room. My hands are shaking and my palms are sweating. I begin to regret my decision to come here and doubt whether or not I can go through with it. It was all my daughter’s idea. She had read articles online that talked about victim-offender mediation and how victim’s families can benefit, heal, and receive closure from talking to the person who committed the crime affecting them while in a safe and

I never knew my son had an alcohol problem. It didn’t surprise me though; his father had one also but not as bad. She began to apologize and I thanked her for her apologies. I understood what she was saying but I wasn’t sure if I could forgive her just yet. I understood she was trying to protect herself, but I still couldn’t get past the fact that it was my son and he is gone. The woman told me that she wanted to make up for what she’s done and she has begun to take classes while in prison that focus on counseling women who are in similar situations to her. She spoke passionately about the classes and how what she is learning not only helps her, but also enables her to help women in similar situations. I asked the mediator if I could take a break and then come back, which he said was fine. I took the time to think about everything that happened and what we talked about. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to offer my forgiveness to the woman. Forgiveness is the first step to healing, for both the offender and myself. When I went back into the room I had my thoughts collected and I was ready to