ASKED
QUESTIONS
A. This wouldn't preclude you from being a participant. Family members of homicide victims still have a need to express their thoughts and feelings about their loved one's death. Anger is a healthy emotion, especially when we are able to expres it in a gentle way. It allows people to better understand how the loss of your loved one has impacted your life.
Q. Why do offenders get to participate in LIFE BLOSSOMS?
A. Because both family members and offenders have a muffled voice which needs to be heard. It allows both sides to view the other's thoughts which can help answer unexplained questions or to better understand how homicides happen.
Q. Must I forgive the person who killed my loved one?
A. No. We encourage forgiveness although it's a magnanimous act which is difficult to bestow on the offender. Resentment and vengefulness are unhealthy feelings which prevent real healing.
Q. What is this "restorative justice"?
A. It simply means to restore justice into the lives of those who are impacted by a crime. Our present criminal justice system is founded on the principle of retribution (punishment) and it neglects the needs of victims and offenders causing further victimization. Restorative justice concentrates less on retribution and more on "restoring justice" by making the offender accountable to the victim (or in this case the victim's family members) instead of the "system."
Q. I am unsure whether I want to write something. Can I ask a few questions first?
A. Of couse! Simply send us an e-mail at [email protected], and we will respond to your questions and/or concerns,
Q. How can I purchase a copy of the LIFE BLOSSOMS book?
A. LIFE BLOSSOMS is currently seeking submissions from families and offenders. When it is complete, information will be avavilable on this site---so please check back often or send us an e-mail and we will advise you when the publication is available.
Q. Where do the profits go when LIFE BLOSSOMS is published?
A. All royalties of this project will go to non-profit charities that promote Victim-Offender Reconciliation in homicide cases. The LIFE BLOSSOMS team members do not receive any compensation for this endeavor.
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