I first learned about the organization when my roommate began working for them last fall. He began informing me about Restorative Justice and the Circle Process. I could immediately see how much he enjoyed working with SCVRJP and it was evident that there was a positive impact being made on the surrounding community. I have not personally attended a session at SCVRJP but I hope to in the near future
I was a victim of multiple physical abuse and emotional abuse instances. I have called the police a few times and no resolution. Finally I got the abuse on film and she was arrested. Me and the abuser agreed to an assessment. I've never hurt anyone in my life and was fresh off of being beat. The assessor put my abuser in low risk and me in high risk. My kids have seen there mother abuse me over and over. I went to the first class frustrated and Jake did not care nor wanted to know anything of why I was emotional and frustrated. After the first class I went straight ahead with the class. Sharing the bad times and good times with the class. Did all my homework that was asked of me and participated in discussions. Everyone in the class gets a 1 on 1 meeting with Jake. My meeting was on the 5th out of 6 week class. He told me I was doing great and was doing better than he thought after seeing me cry at the first class. On the final day I told him I am still frustrated that my abuser is still emotionally abusing me and the kids, and I did not understand how she was still in low risk. He had me send proof of her 2 criminal records of my abuse and when she took my kid from me drunk and got arrested again. He literally had no idea. I guess I thought he would have known all this before putting me in a 6 week class especially when i do not have a criminal record and have never had the police called on me in my life. On the last class it was my turn to tell about the abuse i committed to be in the class. I cried and cried talking about me being abused and my kids seing me kicked and punched. Jake had nothing to say but weird looks. After the class that was it. Just done. I voiced my frustrations with how the assessment went to CPS. CPS asked Jake about all this and Jake said I was out of line during the classes and forced me to do a 1 on 1 with him at the 2nd class and that I am banned for life from the class. None of that happened. He lied to CPS. Couldnt believe that someone in this position would actually lie to CPS. After hearing that I relapsed shortly after. The pain and confusion from Jake and that class felt unbearable. After a lot of hardwork i am back on a better path. This class was one of the hardest months of my life. The fact that Jake lied to CPS really shows who he is and what he stands for. If anybody out there is a victim of abuse and needs to attend this class, my heart goes out to you. Stay strong and remember you are not the only one who has been a victim of Jake's lies and deciet. Record your 1 on 1 with him and try to stay calm during class. He does not like people who are in an emotional state. Seems like the class is just for statistics. Leaving this message was something I have to do for myself to have closure from him and this program and to let others know that you are not alone and keep your head up after the program is done.
i am sad that places have helped populations perform pontiac violence as a doomsday cult killing untold and horror rape and torture.
ln my opinion, I think that everyone of any age, should attend one of these meetings, before getting a drivers license!!
SCVRJP's talking circle training has been a core component to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls' Destination Program. Our Domestic Destination Program occurs over spring break. The program includes education on a social issue, direct service, and reflection. We use talking circles as the main medium to facilitate reflection. What we have found is that by using talking circles our participants gain a greater understanding of one another as well as the social issue they are examining throughout the week of service. Talking Circles give everyone a voice and by sharing stories people gain a new perspective/compassion for each other. The Destination Program is so thankful that SCVRJP trains and enlightens us each year! Through the talking circle process lives are transformed.
As a volunteer I feel that what SCVRJP is doing is wonderful job and I love being able to help out any opportunity that I can. I think the Victim Impact Panels help a great deal and I always feel something new when I come out of them. I enjoyed being an intern and learned many things over my time being there. I don't have a personal story that is like any of the ones I have heard of my time being here but I share my story as a community member to help make changes for the good. I help organize a face to face meeting with an offender and the offended and I feel that this can better serve them instead of a harsh punishment. I feel that this is because they have to actually speak to the one they hurt instead of just serving their time and never showing that person that they are sorry for what they did. I enjoy helping out at SCVRJP and I would love to help out again in the future.
Victim Impact Panels help make OWI offenses about more than just the ticket; they make it about HUMAN LIVES. Having worked with countless attendees and having attended several Victim Impact Panels myself I feel this is one requirement of OWI offenders that has the biggest impact on the curbing the choices that lead to reoffending.
As a repeat OWI offender I went and seen a victim impact panel present their pleas to myself and others like me. It was an eye opening experience listening to family's impacted by behavior like mine as well as hearing testimony from previous offenders. Changed my viewpoint about how severe my decisions were and that Johnny Law was not just out to get me. We all make decisions and not always the right ones, but drinking and driving is one of the most easily preventable and inexcusable acts one can decide to do. In part due to the presentation afforded to me from my own decisions and the people who took the time to share their stories, I no longer am the same man and recommend all to participate in or see for themselves what I am talking about!
Touched by tradgedy by losing my 19 year old daughter in a car crash, caused by her own alcohol consumption, I felt the need to help others by trying to prevent more traffic fatalities. I was referred to SCVRJP. They offered me an avenue by telling my story to others. I speak at Victim Impact Panels to people convicted of DUI's and Drivers Ed classes and at area High School Mock crashes. We try to help teens choose to make better driving and life choices. SCVRJP also initiates talks between a victim of a crime and the offender by bringing them together to repair the harm. There are many opportunities to get involved in community events or classes being offered such as Grief Circles and Death Notification Training for first responders as a couple of examples. SCVRJP is an EXCELLENT program with endless possibilities to make a deep and long lasting impact on the community! I am proud to be a part of this organization