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.

If the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty after trial, your impact statement will help the judge understand how this crime has affected you and those close to you.

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.

Back to Top

*******

Writing Your Victim Impact Statement

There are a variety of topics the victim can write/say in the statement. When creating your Statement, here are some questions to think about:

• Since the crime, how is your general health? Can you sleep and eat? Do you have any illnesses or ailments due to the crime?

• How has the crime changed you as a person? Can you still enjoy activities you enjoyed prior to the crime?

• How has the crime affected those closest to you?

• How has the crime affected your relationships with others such as friends, family members, partners, co-workers, and associates?

• Have you had to make employment and/or financial adjustments? Have you had to take time off work for doctor/counseling appointments, or court dates? Can you concentrate on tasks?

• Are you still able to be a productive member of your family?

• Have your hopes and dreams changed because of the crime?

• Are you capable of trusting people since the crime?

Once I have finished my Victim Impact Statement, what do I do with it?

There are several options for what you can do with your victim impact statement:

• Read the statement or speak from the heart at sentencing yourself.

• Have the prosecutor or advocate read the statement for you at sentencing.

• Have the prosecutor hand the judge your statement in written format.

• Send the statement to the prosecutor.

• Send your statement to the Department of Corrections for the pre-sentence investigation.

Whatever you decide to do with your statement, please remember to be honest when addressing the court but also be respectful.

Please consult with the prosecutor's office for more detailed information regarding your victim impact statement.

For further assistance or information, please contact the Crime Victim Service Center:

• Crime Victim Service Center

         830 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite H 

• Consejo

         38 E. Main, Suite 207  

• YWCA of Lewiston, ID-Clarkston, WA

Back to Top

*******

Sample Victim Impact Statement

The crime committed against me by XXXX has hurt me in so many ways that I don't know where to begin.

My friends and co-workers have mentioned to me that my demeanor and behavior has changed at work and during social activities. I am currently experiencing flashbacks of the event and suffer from nightmares and lack of sleep. I constantly replay the day of the crime over and over in my head. I had to describe the day of the crime to the detective, then to the prosecuting attorney, then to the defense attorney, and to an investigator. Having to repeat the events of the incident over and over again was stressful and tried my patience. It became harder and harder to answer their questions or even tell my story again. I had to miss work, show up to work late, and leave work early due to the stress I was experiencing. I am in counseling because I am stressed, anxious, hypersensitive, and have suicidal thoughts. I wish this had never happened and I want it over as soon as possible, but I know my paranoia will never go away.

This crime has hurt my family too. My mother also suffers from insomnia and anxiety due to the crime. We live in a small town and everyone has heard about the crime. My father almost lost his job because he has had to attend court with me. I can't escape the questions from friends of the family. Naturally, everyone is concerned for my family and me, but not being able to escape the incident kills me. It is just another constant reminder that XXXX committed a crime against my family and me.

I have friends telling me that they ran into XXXX and that she/he says they're sorry. I wish she/he would stop communicating to me through our mutual friends. When I hear that people have run into her/him my heart races, I have shortness of breath, and start to feel dizzy.

I'm constantly asking God why,? Why me, why my family? What did I do to deserve this?

I'm worried what XXXX might do after she/he gets out. I want her/him to get help because this isn't the first time this crime has been committed and that she/he'd been sorry. I don't want XXXX to hurt me or anyone else. I want to be protected from XXXX forever.

Back to Top

*******