FAQ
*All services to survivors are free. We seek to create a safe space that empowers the autonomy of our participants and we respect the confidentiality of all participants and their families.
What is a Victim Offender Dialogue?
A Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) is a face-to-face meeting between a person who was harmed and the person responsible for the harm. The VOD is an in-depth process that requires six months to a year of preparation, with individual meetings with both the survivor and the person responsible. The process may culminate in a one time face-to-face meeting with all the participants. The Dialogue usually takes place at the prison where the person responsible is housed, but can also happen after they have been released from prison. The Dialogue process can include letter exchanges as part of the process or as an alternative to a face-to-face meeting.
How can I request a Victim Offender Dialogue?
Please contact Mend Collaborative at info@mendcollaborative for a free consultation with a facilitator who can share more information about the process, or contact the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services to begin the VOD process. Please inform OVSRS that Mend Collaborative referred you.
I don’t want a VOD, but I do want to share my story. Is there a way to do this?
The VOD process is not for everyone. If you would like to share your story with incarcerated people, please email us at [email protected] to discuss your needs and we can support you in finding a time and a place for a Surrogate Restorative Circle.
What is a Day of Healing?
The Day of Healing is a day-long trauma-informed program that brings survivors from the community together with incarcerated survivors to share and process their experiences of grief, loss, harm, and resilience. The Day of Healing is designed to provide the space and safety for survivors to grieve, connect, build community, and share wisdom that they have learned through their tragic experiences. To register to attend an upcoming Day of Healing, please email [email protected].
How do I find out more about Victim Services?
You can contact the Office of Victims and Survivor Rights and Services, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, or the Victim Services division of your local District Attorney’s office for information about victim services available to you. You can also contact the California Victim Compensation Board for information about victim compensation, and your local Trauma Recovery Center for additional resources.
I’m a survivor or Formerly incarcerated person. How can I be involved in Mend Collaborative?
We welcome the participation of survivors and formerly incarcerated people as participants and as facilitators. Please reach out to us to connect at [email protected].
Are you a non-profit organization or government agency working with survivors and want to learn about our specialized training? Please email [email protected]