A Young Offenders view

My experience of meeting the victim:

When I was first told about meeting the victim I felt nervous because I knew that committing assaults would not be something that people would easily forgive. When I was told that her mum would be attending the meeting as well I was expecting her to be angry with me. I was expecting this because it was her daughter and she would obviously only be looking out and feeling protective of her.

I was nervous and surprised that the victim wanted to meet me. When I walked in the room I avoided looking at anyone because I felt embarrassed at what I had done. When the victim was talking about how she felt I realised that her friend was more impacted and people witnessing the assault. She wasn’t angry or aggressive towards me she was trying to make me understand. The victims mum said to me that she didn’t feel that all the punishment should have been put on me. I was shocked when she said this to me because I wasn’t expecting it. When the victim left I shook her hand but my mum gave her a hug. When the victim left it made me realise the impact on not just only her but the family as well.

After the meeting I had started college and discovered the victim also attended the same college. The fact that I had met with her beforehand made it easier for me as we were able to clear the air and have a fresh start. I think it’s a good idea for people to meet with their victims because it makes you realise the seriousness of your own actions, so you think before doing it again.