Why make a statement
A victim impact statement is a chance to let the judge know how the offender’s crime has hurt you. The judge will consider your statement:
- if the accused is found guilty
- when sentencing the offender(s)
The statement:
- is voluntary
- can be read out in court when the offender is sentenced
What it can say
You do not have to talk about anything you do not want to. If you want, your impact statement can talk about how the crime:
- emotionally hurt you
- physically hurt you
- cost you money
- made you fearful
What it cannot say
Your impact statement cannot be used to:
- ask for financial help
- talk about other crimes
- support the offender(s)
- make unproven accusations
- complain about the police or the legal system
- suggest what the sentence should be – unless approved by the judge, first
- make statements about the offender(s) or the crime which are not related to your suffering
How to make the statement
After the accused is charged
Get your statement ready as soon as possible because:
- they may plead guilty right away
- the judge must have the statement before sentencing
If there is more than one offender, you can either:
- name all the offenders on one form, or
- fill out one form for each offender
Your statement can include other ways to tell your story, like with a:
- letter
- poem
- drawing
Step 1. Fill out the form
Download and fill out the Victim Impact Statement form.
Check the box at the end of the form if you want to read your statement in court.
Step 2. Submit the form
Keep a copy for your records.
Remember, the judge must receive your statement before the offender is sentenced. Allow enough time for the court to get your Victim Impact Statement.
You can send the statement by:
- delivery
Send it to one of these places:
- the clerk at the courthouse where the trial will be
- your local victim services unit
- the local police service or RCMP detachment
Resources
Contact
Connect with a Victims Services Unit: