The Victim Services Unit will provide information, assistance and support to victims of crime whose victimizers are remanded to the custody of the Utah Department of Corrections, and to UDC employees who are victims of workplace violence. These services will be administered with respect, compassion and confidentiality. Educational information will also be provided upon request to allied agencies, community-based groups or any other entity with a specific interest in the justice system.
Victim/Offender Dialogue Program
Many victims are left with unanswered questions. Over the past few years, several victims have contacted the Office of Victim Services requesting an opportunity to meet with the offender who perpetrated the crime against them and/or their family—hoping to receive answers and insight to many unanswered questions. The Victim Offender
Dialogue program was established as a result of these requests.
The purpose of Victim Offender Dialogue is to provide a safe environment in which both survivors of victims, and offenders of loss of life crimes, are offered the opportunity to share a confidential, interactive experience. Through asking questions and getting answers, the goal is to promote personal growth.
There is no fee for Victim Offender Dialogue and participation is voluntary. The process is initiated by the victim and can be terminated at any time. The dialogue takes place in a private area within a correctional facility, facilitated by two trained facilitators. Both the victim and the offender will have a support person of their choice with them throughout the process. There is no set time frame for completing the process, as progression through the process is dependent on the individual case and both participants’ readiness for the actual meeting.
Many participants of Victim Offender Dialogue have found the process to be very helpful, in that it often brings an end to long-standing conflicts. Follow-up is provided immediately after all meetings.
If you have question or are interested in taking part in the program please contact Doug Fawson (see below).
Contact Information
Doug Fawson
Mailing Address:
Department of Corrections
14717 South Minuteman Drive
Draper, UT 84020
Telephone: 801.545.5658
E-mail: dfawson@utah.gov