Victim Impact Statement

A Victim Impact Statement is a written account of how a crime has affected you. The statement is your opportunity, as a victim, to tell the court and person who committed the crime how the incident has impacted you and your family members’ lives. It is your opportunity to have your voice heard. A victim service worker can help you prepare a statement.

The statement does not describe the crime. It is an opportunity for you to express how the crime has affected your life - physically, emotionally and financially. The statement should not suggest outcomes, such as for sentencing the offender.

You are not required to complete a Victim Impact Statement, but if you do it will be presented during the sentencing hearing. The judge can use your statement when considering how to sentence a person convicted of a crime.

How to Write a Victim Impact Statement

A Victim Impact Statement can be completed by anyone who has suffered physical, mental, emotional or financial loss or trauma because of a crime. This includes the family members of a victim. The statement should not be a description of the facts of the crime or comments about the accused or offender.

The following are the types of information you can include in your Victim Impact Statement. 

• Emotional impact of the crime – for example, describe the emotions you have felt day-to-day since the crime took place
• Physical impact of the crime – for example, did you or a loved one suffer any injuries as a result of the crime? Do you expect the problems to continue or other problems to arise?
• Financial impact of the crime – for example, provide information such as your insurance and medical costs, property damage and lost wages. Also, include expenses that may come up in the future. Visit Financial Assistance to learn about financial benefits that may be available to you

If you would like help filling out a statement, ask a victim service worker or call VictimLinkBC.

Where to Return Your Victim Impact Statement

Once you have completed your Victim Impact Statement, make sure each page is dated, signed and attached to the cover page. You can then mail, fax or deliver the statement to the Crown counsel prosecuting the case.