Victim-Offender Dialogues

You’ve been ordered by the Judge, or you have agreed to participate, in a VICTIM-OFFENDER DIALOGUE, or "VOD." This will explain a VOD and your responsibilities.  

What is a VOD? 

A VOD is just a conversation between you and the person who was harmed. The conversation will be led by a facilitator, who is trained to help you and the person who was harmed have a positive conversation about what happened. 

Sometimes the person harmed may not want to participate in the VOD. If that’s the case, you will meet with a victim of a similar crime or with a person who has volunteered to represent our community as a whole (a "community representative.") 

A VOD can happen either by video conference (for example, Zoom) or in-person, and is confidential. The facilitator will make every effort to create a safe, open and honest conversation. 

Research shows that those who participate in a Victim-Offender Dialogue are more satisfied with their experience with the justice system than people who do not participate in a VOD. This is true for both victims, who feel like they were heard, and for those who did the harm. 

You must register within three (3) working days of the day you were ordered or agreed to participate in a VOD, by leaving a voicemail at 515-286-3057 or you can email VOD@polkcountyiowa.gov.  When you call or email us, please provide the following information:  

• Your Name   
• Your phone number 
• Your email address 
• The criminal case number, located in the upper-left hand corner of the court order. 

The Polk County Attorney’s Office will contact you for further instruction on when and where your VOD will happen. 
 
Thank you.