Victim Impact Statement
A victim impact statement is a statement from a victim of crime
that describes the physical or emotional harm, property damage
or economic loss they have suffered as the victim of an offence.
A victim can choose to present their victim impact statement by
- reading it aloud
- reading it with a support person close by
- reading it behind a screen or outside the courtroom by closed-circuit television
A victim can also ask the Court to allow them to present their
statement in another way such as having the prosecutor,
the Court, or a victim service worker read it.
A victim may also include a drawing, poem or letter as part of their victim impact statement to express how the offence has affected the victim.
A Victim Impact Statement is your opportunity to tell the court how a crime has affected you and those around you. You write your statement in your own words on the Victim Impact Statement (pages 1 & 2 of the form). If the person accused is found guilty of the crime, the judge will consider your statement before the person is sentenced. It is your choice whether or not you want to prepare a Victim Impact Statement. If you require assistance completing a Victim Impact Statement, please contact our office. Once completed and signed, please return your Victim Impact Statement to our office or your local police service or RCMP detachment as soon as possible.