The act of writing the letter is the therapy, not the end product. It’s important that the letter be written in the offender’s own voice using language that is authentic to the writer. It needs to come from the heart, and there are no templates or standardized language that can help with this.
Full Answer
How do you write a letter of support for a defendant?
Nov 17, 2019 · To make an offender listen to the hurt he or she caused. And to not let them get away with "I'm sorry" or any other form of rationalisation. To be able to listen to the feelings actions cause without interrupting, justyfying, defending, belittling or blocking takes a courage we often don't have, as ppl.
Why do offenders write letters to their victims?
It has been common practice to have sexual offenders write a letter of apology to their victim, revealing their level of empathy/understanding the offender has for the victim. However, there has been no method for judging the quality of the sexual offender’s sympathy or understanding.
How do you write a letter of apology to an offender?
Sep 18, 2013 · Brave to live your life in the wake of sexual trauma. Brave to hold your head high. First let me say I am sorry. I’m so terribly sad that sexual abuse is part of your story. It’s not right. Someone chose to take something from you–your volition …
Should I send a letter of forgiveness to an offender?
Dec 06, 2020 · So, it's a hard mix. As for writing to sex offenders: Yes, I do write to one. But that's a story of a girl being a few months under the age of consent - and a man having been a few months over the age of being treated as a minor. Basically, two teens in love who should've waited a little longer. And even though he'll be a registered sex ...
What are the two main forms of treatment for sex offenders?
These include approaches such as surgical castration and hormonal therapy (Aos et al. 1996).Feb 23, 2015
What is the most common type of treatment provided to sex offenders today?
Is rehabilitation effective for sex offenders?
What is the goal of sex offender treatment?
What is the best therapy for sex offenders?
What is cognitive behavioral therapy for sex offenders?
How can offenders be rehabilitated?
What makes it so difficult to determine if a sex offender treatment program is effective?
Why is it difficult to work with sex offenders?
What is a good character letter for sentencing?
A great character letter for sentencing is often beneficial when someone is sentenced for a misdemeanor or felony offense. Letters from people who know or work with the defendant can carry a substantial amount of weight with the judge determining the sentence. A letter will stand out if the author knows the defendant and the letter is credible and personal. The most influential letters will be concise, typed, and dated. Additionally, a character letter must be signed and contain the author’s address and phone number or email address. If there is no name or contact information, the origins of the letter will be questionable.
What makes a letter stand out?
A letter will stand out if the author knows the defendant and the letter is credible and personal. The most influential letters will be concise, typed, and dated. Additionally, a character letter must be signed and contain the author’s address and phone number or email address. If there is no name or contact information, ...
Can a judge impose a jail sentence?
It is best not to suggest a specific penalty for the offense. Requests for a specific sentence can be interpreted as interfering with or disrespectful to the judge’s authority. However, you can request that the Judge not impose a jail sentence or consider alternatives to jail (for example, a treatment program).
What is a character reference?
Character references can give a sentencing court essential insight into the person they are sentencing and positively influence the judge’s sentence. The hearing from people who know the defendant is essential to give that person humanity and not be just a case number. The criminal defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., have found that following these simple steps will help you write a great sentencing character letter.
Why are character references important?
Character references can give a sentencing court essential insight into the person they are sentencing and positively influence the judge’s sentence. The hearing from people who know the defendant is essential to give that person humanity and not be just a case number.
What is an apology in a victim's letter?
An apology is not a quick fix, but part of a genuine empathetic understanding of the harm that was caused. The apology should be unconditional – the offender should not make excuses for the things he did. If the offender is truly sorry, he must find a way to put this into words.
Can a victim empathy letter be sent?
Managing Expectations About Forgiveness. For the offender, it’s important to realize that writing a victim empathy letter does not lead to instant rede mption. In many cases, the letter will not even be sent. If the victim does not wish to receive a letter, then he should be able to opt out of the process.
What is the purpose of a letter?
The purpose of the letter is to acknowledge that the offender caused harm to the victim, and to take responsibility for his actions. Even if the letter is not sent, this exercise is often of benefit to the offender and can reduce the risk of repeat offending in the future.
What is an apology?
An apology is not a quick fix, but part of a genuine empathetic understanding of the harm that was caused. The apology should be unconditional – the offender should not make excuses for the things he did. If the offender is truly sorry, he must find a way to put this into words.