Victim Impact Statement
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Victim Impact Statement
What is a Victim Impact Statement?
A victim impact statement provides an opportunity for your voice to be heard by our justice system. When completed, it is an important document that describes how the crime has affected you and your loved ones; it also provides input into how the court can best hold the offender accountable for the harm he/she has caused. This statement has space for you to:
Writing a Victim Impact Statement is Entirely Voluntary
You do not have to fill out a Victim Impact Statement but it may be helpful to the judge when he/she decides what sentence the defendant should receive, and/or any money the defendant may have to reimburse you for expenses you have paid or owe because of this crime. If the judge orders the defendant to pay you restitution, there is no guarantee that the defendant will be able to pay the entire amount. However, a court order for the full amount of your losses is an important component for victims to pursue civil remedies for all of the financial losses associated with this crime. Whether or not you choose to submit a victim impact statement is a decision made by you and your family. It is a voluntary right that you have as a victim of crime.
While it may be difficult to express your feelings in words, only you can describe the effects this crime has had on you and your family. Your input is vital to determining a fair sentence, holding the offender accountable for the crime he/she has committed. The questions are designed to aid you in this process.
Feel free to contact your advocate if you need assistance with filling out the Victim Impact Statement.
If you would like to make the court aware of any emotional impact of the crime, you may wish to consider the following points:
How this crime has affected your lifestyle or those close to you.
How your feelings about yourself or your life have changed since the crime.
How your ability to relate to others has changed.
Any counseling or other support you have obtained to help you cope.
If you or a loved one was injured, you may wish to make the court aware of any physical impact the crime has had on you or your family. Consider the following:
What is a Victim Impact Statement?
A victim impact statement provides an opportunity for your voice to be heard by our justice system. When completed, it is an important document that describes how the crime has affected you and your loved ones; it also provides input into how the court can best hold the offender accountable for the harm he/she has caused. This statement has space for you to:
- Describe the crime and its physical, emotional, and financial effects on you and your loved ones.
- Discuss any concerns you may have about your safety and security.
- Address any changes in your life you may have experienced since the crime occurred.
- Offer suggestions for a resolution that is fair, and provide information that will give the offender the opportunity to take responsibility for actions that caused you harm and loss.
Writing a Victim Impact Statement is Entirely Voluntary
You do not have to fill out a Victim Impact Statement but it may be helpful to the judge when he/she decides what sentence the defendant should receive, and/or any money the defendant may have to reimburse you for expenses you have paid or owe because of this crime. If the judge orders the defendant to pay you restitution, there is no guarantee that the defendant will be able to pay the entire amount. However, a court order for the full amount of your losses is an important component for victims to pursue civil remedies for all of the financial losses associated with this crime. Whether or not you choose to submit a victim impact statement is a decision made by you and your family. It is a voluntary right that you have as a victim of crime.
While it may be difficult to express your feelings in words, only you can describe the effects this crime has had on you and your family. Your input is vital to determining a fair sentence, holding the offender accountable for the crime he/she has committed. The questions are designed to aid you in this process.
Feel free to contact your advocate if you need assistance with filling out the Victim Impact Statement.
If you would like to make the court aware of any emotional impact of the crime, you may wish to consider the following points:
How this crime has affected your lifestyle or those close to you.
How your feelings about yourself or your life have changed since the crime.
How your ability to relate to others has changed.
Any counseling or other support you have obtained to help you cope.
If you or a loved one was injured, you may wish to make the court aware of any physical impact the crime has had on you or your family. Consider the following:
- The specific physical injuries you or members of your family suffered.
- How long your injuries lasted or how long they are expected to last.
- Any medical treatment you have received or expect to receive in the future.
- How your physical injuries have affected your lifestyle, i.e. ability to work, enjoy recreational pursuits, etc.