Victim Impact Statement

A victim impact statement is a written or oral statement by a crime victim or their representative that describes the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crime on the victim and their family. The statement is typically presented to the court at sentencing and may also be considered by the parole board in release decisions. The purpose of the statement is to allow the victim to express the harm caused by the crime and to provide information relevant to the court’s sentencing decision. The statement may describe the victim’s injuries, medical treatment, psychological trauma, loss of income, and other consequences of the crime. It may also express the victim’s opinions on the appropriate sentence and any restitution or compensation sought. The defendant has the right to review the statement and to respond to it before sentencing.