Advantages of the Circle Participation for Victims

1. Circles give you the following choices:

• The option to participate in decision-making around how to handle the case.
• The option to have community members hold the offender accountable through the Circle process.
• An opportunity to make your wishes known regarding sanctions and restorative measures for the offender.
• An opportunity to express to the offender how the offense impacted your life.
• An opportunity to meet with community members one-on-one, or in a group.
• The option to bring people to support you to Cirlces and other meetings.

2. If you choose to attend the Sentencing Circle for the offender, you will be an equal partner in all decision-making. If you choose not to attend the Sentencing Circle, you can participate in other ways:

• You can have friends or family members attend the Sentencing Circle on your behalf.
• You can provide your input in writing to be read aloud at the Sentencing Circle.
• You can ask the coordinator, Circle Keeper, or other community member to give your input to the Sentencing Circle.

3. The Circles provide changes rather than punishment.