Victims' Voices Heard Inc.

Overview

Victims' Voices Heard Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting victims of violent crime. The organization operates under the premise of restorative justice, which focuses on the needs of victims and the responsibility of offenders to repair harm. Founded on the principle that every victim deserves a voice, Victims' Voices Heard has been providing transformative support to survivors for over 20 years.

Mission

The primary mission of Victims' Voices Heard is to strengthen and transform the lives of crime victims and their families by offering critical programs. These programs include the Victim-Offender Dialogue Program, which enables victims to engage in face-to-face meetings with the individuals responsible for the crimes committed against them. This process is designed to facilitate healing, closure, and understanding by allowing victims to express their experiences, obtain answers, and witness offenders taking responsibility for their actions.

Programs

• Victim-Offender Dialogue Program: This program provides a safe and guided environment for victims to communicate directly with offenders. The dialogue is facilitated to ensure that victims can share their stories, seek closure, and witness offenders acknowledging their actions and expressing remorse. This process not only helps victims in their healing journey but also aims to reduce recidivism by making offenders accountable for their impact on victims.

Restorative Justice Approach

Victims' Voices Heard aligns with the principles of restorative justice, which emphasizes repairing harm and promoting healing for both victims and their communities. By involving victims, offenders, and sometimes community members in the restorative process, the organization seeks to create a more balanced justice system that acknowledges the needs and rights of victims.

Impact and Focus

Historically, the justice system has often marginalized victims, prioritizing offender rehabilitation over victim support. Victims' Voices Heard works to rectify this imbalance by centering the justice process around victim needs and ensuring their voices are heard. By doing so, the organization aims to restore victims' lives and prevent recurrent acts of violence.

Leadership and Governance

The organization is guided by a board of directors, which includes experts from diverse backgrounds, such as law and interdisciplinary studies. This leadership structure ensures that Victims' Voices Heard maintains a well-rounded approach to addressing the complex needs of crime victims.

Conclusion

Victims' Voices Heard Inc. plays a pivotal role in advocating for victims' rights and supporting their recovery through innovative restorative justice programs. By empowering survivors to confront their past and work towards healing, the organization contributes significantly to building a more inclusive and balanced justice system in the United States.