The development and implementation of a victim empathy program for use with young offenders and at-risk youth

• Main Author: Taylor-Myles, Jacqueline
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1998
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/9633/; https://research.library.mun.ca/9633/1/Taylor-Myles_Jacqueline.pdf

This project represents a rehabilitative program that would be suitable for use with juvenile offenders or at-risk youth. One of the aims of individuals working with young offenders is to see them rehabilitated and leading productive lives. There are a number of programs available for offender rehabilitation, but few that attempt to foster a sense of empathy in the young offender. This 16 session program was developed and revised after a pilot was conducted with a group of offenders at the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Center. Both residents and a co-facilitator contributed critical comments that were incorporated into this program. The program reflects the belief that if youthful offenders recognize the pain and suffering they have caused others then they are less likely to re-offend. The project attempts to teach the meaning of "victim", "victim empathy" and "victimization", and requires participants to apply this knowledge to common everyday victimizing situations.