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Victim Impact Panels: How They Help MADD Orange County currently works with five courts for the Victim Impact Panels. Three Panels have been offered each month in English and one Panel in Spanish every other month. The Victim Impact Panel (VIP) is a term used to describe a meeting of drivers convicted of alcohol-related violations and/or crashes, hosted by victims of alcohol related incidents (people whose lives have been significantly affected by drunk driving crashes). Whether a victim, or a family member of a victim, all of our volunteer speakers attend to educate possible repeat offenders. Their need to be there stems from a deep need to do something to help in the fight against drunk driving. MADD Orange County's program began in 1987. The first pilot panel was provided to 100 people recruited through a local counseling center. The support of local judges was secured. MADD then worked with the Probation department to develop a process for referrals. After a consultation regarding the format, we were able to institute the program that fall. The audience generally consists of those who have already been sentenced and are currently attending the Panel as part of their probation. Those required to attend, but have been listed as a "no show" and who are not complying with the court order, will have a notice of non-compliance posted. It is possible that a warrant for that individual's arrest will be issued for failure to attend. The effectiveness of the VIP is that most actions taken against the drunk driving offenders focus on punishment, consequently allowing the offender to perceive themselves as victims of police action. Offenders tend to rationalize their arrest as bad luck, especially if they were not involved in a crash. In contrast to this attitude, the VIP exposes the DUI offender to the deep grief of others hurt by such irresponsible driving. We strive to make this program one that continues to help change the attitudes of those people who have shielded themselves from being exposed to the hurt they have (or may have) caused. Our volunteer speakers usually consist of a police officer to introduce and conclude the presentation, up to three victims and possibly one offender all of whom are there to relate their experience. This is done in hopes of relating to the attendees their experiences in such a way as to give a clear understanding as to the devastation of a crash involving themselves or a family member who was either killed or injured. Our experience with this program has shown that the Panel can be very therapeutic for the Panelists. Some come to the Panels even if they are not scheduled to speak to provide support to other Panelists. The Panel has become a way for some to work through their grief; for many it is one of the few places where they can talk about their loss. Many times their friends and family are tired of hearing about it. For those who have re-married, there are instances where the new spouse doesn't wish to hear about the former spouse and/or children. Thus, the panel becomes an important pressure release valve. The concept of the VIP is not for MADD to point fingers or to place blame, rather it is our effort to raise awareness and change the thinking and behavior of those present. The responses to the program have been varied and occasionally we get complete indifference. However, it is the many positive responses that continue to make this program worthwhile. And, the knowledge that one more person has been saved as they stand-up after what they have heard and emphatically state that they will ever drink and drive again. If you or someone you know would like to help us educate and positively change possible repeat offenders as a speaker in one of our panels, please call our office at (714) 838-6199 or fill out our online form. Together, we can make a difference! This page is http://www.maddorangecounty.org/vippanels.htm Page updated: April 28, 2007 |
