Who can prepare a victim impact statement?Īny person who has suffered physically or emotionally, or who has had their property damaged or lost money, as a result of an offence committed against them or another person may prepare a victim impact statement. It allows victims to take part in the sentencing of the offender by explaining to the Court and the offender, in their own words, how the crime has affected them. The victim impact statement gives victims of crime a voice in the criminal justice system. The Court must take the statement into account when an offender is sentenced. reading it behind a screen or outside the courtroom by closed-circuit televisionĪ victim can also ask the Court to allow them to present their statement in another way such as having the prosecutor, the Court, or a victim service worker read it.Ī victim may also include a drawing, poem or letter as part of their victim impact statement to express how the offence has affected the victim.įor more information, see the Victim Impact Statement fact sheet.ĭisclaimer: This infographic contains general information only, and is not intended as legal advice.Ī victim impact statement is a written statement from a victim that describes the physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss which the victim of an offence has suffered.reading it with a support person close by. Visit Making a Police Statement (Victim) for more information.A victim impact statement is a statement from a victim of crime that describes the physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss they have suffered as the victim of an offence.Ī victim of crime has the right to present a victim impact statement and to have the Court or Review Board take it into account.Ī victim can choose to present their victim impact statement by: If you do have injuries, you may wish to visit the victim of crime section. Also, if you do not know the person you saw commit the crime, you may be asked to pick out the person from a line up of people, describe what the person looked like to an artist or look through photographs (called mug shots).Īlso, if you had any injuries, the police may take pictures so your injuries can be used as evidence later. The police may take you to the scene of the crime if they need to ask further questions. Defence counsel will likely give a copy of the witness statement to the accused as they prepare for trial. But things that do not seem important to you do end up helping police arrest someone.Ī copy of the witness statement is usually given only to Crown and defence counsel, who can ask questions about your statement at the trial. Some of the questions the police ask may make you feel uncomfortable. You can ask for a copy of your statement. If you realize that you missed something after you signed the statement, provide the information to police as soon as you can. It is important that you read the written statement and confirm it is completely accurate before you sign it because you may be asked about it as a witness in court. Police will ask you to read the statement and sign it. They may ask you to write down what you told them or they may write it for you. Police may audio or video tape you when you are giving your statement. Making a Witness Statement and Who Gets a Copy If a vehicle was involved, the licence plate number, color and type of vehicle and any injuries.A description of each of the people who were involved in the crime - hair color and length, build/weight, height, female or male and race.
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