Victim Impact Panels

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Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) consist of a small group of victims of drunk driving tragedies who relate how their lives have been affected by the sudden loss of a loved one or the violation of a crime committed against them. The goal of the panel is not to blame or judge offenders in the audience but to affect the audience on an emotional level by telling their stories. Further, victim impact panels are designed to change the behavior of offenders. Listening to personal accounts of drunk driving tragedies helps offenders realize the dangers and consequences of their behavior. At the same time, victim impact panels can be very helpful in the healing process of panel participants.

How we have the Offenders Attend the Panel

All offenders of drinking and driving are referred to the program by a court ordered assessment procedure. Juvenile and young adult offenders are referred to the Victim Impact Panel from the Courts, Human Services, and Department of Corrections.

How we Determine who the Panel Members Will Be

Anyone is who has been a victim of drunk driving is welcome to speak on our panel. We do an interviewing process to help ensure the victim is emotionally ready to participate and is an appropriate panelist. Most victims find that speaking on the panel is a valuable experience. Contact Barron County Restorative Justice Programs, Inc. if you are interested in having the opportunity to be a panelist.

Driver's Education Programs

Various school districts in Barron County are invited to send Driver's Education students to the Victim Impact Panel.  Many programs offer this as an extra credit assignment where the students can use the panel as a possible make-up for classroom time.

Who attends

The cost of the panel is $30 for drunk driving offenders.  The panel is free to anyone else who would like to attend.  This includes spouses, students (Driver's Ed), and Teen Court referrals.  You must be age 15 or over to attend.