|
|---|
Waukesha County Victims Impact Panel The Honorable Marianne E. Becker co-founded the Waukesha County Victim Impact Panel in February, 1993. The first Waukesha County Victims Impact Panel occurred on November 10th, 1993. Initially the panel met at the City of Waukesha Public Library. The Waukesha County Victims Impact Panel is overseen by the Victims Impact Panel Steering Committee. The initial steering committee was composed of Judge Marianne E. Becker, a local MADD representative, the Victims Assistance Unit from the Waukesha DA’s Office, an officer from both the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department at the City of Waukesha Police Department and a few other very courageous professionals representing Waukesha County. Unbelievably, the program still operates completely with volunteer support and no help from the local, county, state or federal governments. The initial victim impact panel consisted of 52 individuals- 28 individuals were court ordered. The Waukesha County Victim Impact Panel is a cornerstone restorative justice program. The panel typically involves repeat impaired driving offenders where conventional punitive measures have not changed their behaviors. The panel consists of a small group of victims of drunken driving tragedies who relate how their lives have been affected by the sudden loss of a loved one. The goal of the panel is not to blame or judge offenders in the audience but to affect the audience on an emotional level. Listening to personal accounts of drunken driving tragedies helps offenders realize the dangers and consequences of their behavior. The panel is intended to break down anger and denial, thereby increasing the likelihood that the offender will take responsibility for his or her behavior. Recidivism studies have demonstrated varied results; however, anecdotal data strongly suggests the effectiveness of the Waukesha County Victims Impact Panel. The panel currently meets four times a year at the University of Wisconsin- Waukesha Fine Arts Center. Those interested in volunteering their time may contact Mr. Bernie Mangers at 262.524.7921 |
|---|