Immediately following a crime, all victims tend to experience considerable fear and anger. For more severe cases or more vulnerable victims, these feelings may persist over a long period or become permanent. An offer of a mediation meeting with the offender under these circumstances could cause more distress. At a later stage, victims attempting to cope with their victimization are likely to be preoccupied with reasons for what has occurred. A mediation meeting is an opportunity for them to query offenders about their motives for the crime. For victims who have come to terms with their victimization, the offer of mediation may appear to be a waste of time or a needless opening of old wounds. It is possible, however, that the victim may view mediation as an opportunity to inform the offender about what crime does to its victims. More information is needed about the detrimental effects of mediation on victims, particularly if this is the criminal justice system's only direct intervention with the victim. 17 references.