Offender–Victim Mediation, Criminal Prosecution, and Civil Litigation in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
摘要
This chapter examines the effectiveness of offender–victim mediation in comparison with traditional criminal prosecution and civil litigation in addressing child sexual abuse cases. It explores the advantages and drawbacks of each approach, focusing on their impact on victims, offenders, and the broader justice system. While mediation offers a confidential and victim-centered process, it raises concerns about transparency and the potential for offenders to evade full accountability. The study also considers traditional and online mediation, weighing their respective strengths and weaknesses in delivering justice and emotional healing to victims. Traditional mediation facilitates direct encounter but also exposes victims to power imbalances, while online mediation enhances accessibility but can undermine affective effect and accountability. The study concludes that a hybrid model, comprising restorative justice, correctional interventions, and personalized mediation approaches, can produce a more successful result, balancing rehabilitation and accountability based on the specific circumstances of the case.