Making a victim impact statement

Victim impact statements are voluntary

If the defendant is found guilty of a crime, you may be asked if you would like to make a victim impact statement.

A victim impact statement gives you the opportunity to say how the crime affected you emotionally, physically, financially and socially.

It is your choice whether you wish to make a victim impact statement. No-one may make a statement on your behalf if you object to the statement being made.

Statements can be written by you, with some assistance from a relative, friend or support person.

In some cases, they may be written by the prosecutor or a representative of your choice. There are limits to the types of matters in which a victim impact statement can be made, speak to your prosecutor or the witness assistance officer for more information.

Read the Victim Impact Statement Guide on the Victims Services website.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions also publishes guidelines for victim impact statements, including:

• writing your own victim impact statement
• an overview of victim impact statements.