91172.pdf

Research that has focused on victim satisfaction with the process has found high
rates ot victim satisfaction with reconciliation programs (LJmbreit & Bradshaw,
1997). When Geiger met his offender, it provided him closure to an occurrence
which had a negative impact on his life. When an offender shows compassion,
as in Geiger's case, many victims are satisfied with the program. In a 1994 study,
LJmbreit found 90% of victims were satisfied with the mediation outcome. How-
ever, no research was found on the satisfaction rate among offenders; arguments
against victim—offender mediation suggest that offenders are often less than satisfied
(]. G, Brown, 1994). However, other researchers posit that when a victim's needs
are met, the offender's needs will be met as well (Evers, 1998).
Despite a need for further research on victim-offender mediation programs,
it appears as though some of the programs are successful at satisfying the vic-
tim, providing restitution, and preventing recidivism. In addition, proponents for
victim—offender mediation programs suggest that restorative programs are successful
at alleviating the problem of prison and jail overcrowding. Currently, more than 1
million people are behind bars and many are held in overcrowded facilities (Evers,
1998). The man who burglarized and shot Geiger may have been in prison for
25 years instead of 12 had he and Geiger not met through the reconciliation pro-
gram. This illustrates how such programs can reduce the number of incarcerated
offenders.
Advocates for restorative justice believe that there is a reason people commit
crime again and again. One of these reasons is a lack of empathy for victims. With
restorative justice, offenders are held accountable for their crimes, while the needs of
the victim are met (Evers, 1998). Geiger needed an apology, and he received that and
much more (Reske, 1995). In addition, his offender showed empathy and regret for
what he did, which could have ultimately reduced the likelihood he would commit
another crime of this nature. According to advocates for mediation programs, one of
the benefits of mediation is that it allows offenders to become aware of the impact
of their crimes and to see their victims as people rather than as objects (Reske,
1995). When offenders are able to see their victims as people arid possibly have
empathy for them, the likelihood of recidivism is reduced (LJmbreit & Bradshaw;
1997). As a result, less offenders circulate through the prison system, helping to
alleviate overcrowding. Also, mediation programs such as the one implemented in
Vermont may aid in overcrowding simply by providing an alternative response to
jail or prison.
Proponents for mediation programs suggest that prisons have become nothing
more than "colleges for crime," which return to the public "meaner" and "craftier"
criminals (Evers, 1998; Severson & Bankston, 1995). These advocates suggest that
the United States spends more on punishment and less on programs to prevent crime,
and indicate that restorative justice is a program designed for prevention (Evers,
1998). Restorative justice programs not only benefit victims, they benefit offenders
as well. Proponents note that offenders need to be punished, but also need help;
restorative justice can do both (Evers, 1998). However, other researchers are not