Separating the “deed” from the “done-to”: how communicating with the offender can change victims’ self-concept

Some victims benefit from communication with offenders after a crime, at least some of the time, but gaps in the evidence about restorative justice practices make it hard for victims to decide whether to take part. This article examines whether and how specific components of victim–offender communication led to changes in victim self-concept. The question was addressed through thematic analysis of interview data from 40 victims of a range of crime types, including serious sexual and violent offences. Interviews were conducted before and after victims attempted communication with the offender. Participants described 10 routes to change in their sense of agency and of being a “good” person (moral self-image); some of these routes supported previous literature, others shed new light on old theories, or were previously undocumented. Together, these routes enabled victims to distance themselves from a “victim” identity, thereby mirroring the commonly cited restorative justice objective of separating the “deed from the doer,” to instead separate the “deed from the done-to.” To the extent possible given the nature of the study, cases of negative and absent changes are also discussed. In an area replete with theories but lacking in empirical research, this study contributes new evidence and a conceptual clarity that could be used to enhance future studies. Most importantly, it can help victims make informed decisions about communicating with the offender, help them identify and articulate their objectives, and manage their expectations.