Victim Impact Statement

A Victim Impact Statement gives you an opportunity to tell the court how you have been affected by a crime. Victim Impact Statements are voluntary. Contact your local Victim Services Unit if you have any questions about submitting you Victim Impact Statement.
What can be included in a Victim Impact Statement:
  • How the crime has affected you emotionally
  • How the crime has affected you physically
  • How the crime has affected you financially
  • Fears for your safety or the safety of your family
  • You can draw a picture, write a poem or a letter to include in your statement if it helps you express how the crime has affected you
What you can request as part of your statement:
  • Read your statement in the presence of a support person that you choose
  • Have a picture with you that was taken before the crime
You can't include this in your Victim Impact Statement:
  • Anything about the crime or the accused that is not directly related to the crime
  • Anything that has not been proven in court
  • Anything the accused was not found guilty of
  • Anything about anyone who was part of the investigation or prosecution (police, court workers, lawyers, etc.)
  • Any opinion about the sentence, unless approved by the court
  • Any information you do not want the accused or the public to know
Remember:
  • Tell your local Victim Services Unit that you are going to submit a Victim Impact Statement
  • The Victim Services Unit can help you understand the court process
  • Get your Victim Impact Statement by clicking on the link above, or from your local Victim Services Unit, or go online and download the statement
  • Complete the statement. 
    • If you want to read or present the statement in court, check the "I would like to present my statement in court" on the statement
    • Make sure you sign and date the statement 
    • Make a copy of the statement for your records
  • Submit the statement
Please Note:
  • The accused could be sentenced at any time so submit your statement quickly
  • The Victim Impact Statement is not used to apply for financial support
  • The accused and their lawyer will receive a copy of your Victim Impact Statement 

Restitution

You have the right to have the Court consider ordering restitution. Restitution is a way for the offender to repay you for damaged property, lost money, or extra expenses due to a crime. Contact your local Victim Services Unit if you have any questions about submitting your Statement on Restitution. 
What are some of the things I can claim for restitution?
  • Cost to replace items that you lost
  • To repair and restore damaged property
  • Costs for temporary housing, food, childcare and transportation due to moving out of the offender's household
  • Services such as a counselor or psychologist
  • Lost wages 
  • Expenses to replace pieces of personal identification or correct your credit history
  • Expenses to remove a personal image from the internet or other digital network
  • Lost money or property as a result of fraud
What are some things I cannot claim?
  • Future expenses
  • Pain or suffering
  • Expenses covered / paid by other sources
  • Amounts exceeding the value of the lost item
How do I prove that I lost money or property due to a crime?
  • Complete both sides of the Statement on Restitution form
  • Clearly describe what has been lost or damaged
  • Include copies of receipts and other information such as paystubs, repair estimates or photographs of damage
If the court decides to order restitution and the offender has not paid in full by the due date stated in the order, then:
  • a) If you opted-in to the Restitution Recovery Program (see page 2 of the Statement on Restitution form) the judge may allow the government to attempt to enforce payment from the offender, at no cost to you; or ​
  • b) If you opted-out of the Restitution Recovery Program (or if the judge did not accept your request to opt-in) it is your choice to enforce payment or not. If you want to attempt enforcement, you will need to file the Order of Restitution in the Court of Queen's Bench, at no cost to you. Any further enforcement action will be your responsibility, and your own cost. 
If the court does not order Restitution:
  • You can attempt to sue the offender in a civil court. You may want to hire a lawyer for this. It will be up to you tgo pay any court and legal fees. 
Please Note:
  • The accused could be sentenced at any time so submit your statement quickly
  • Return your Statement on Restitution form to the police or your local Victim Services Unit as soon as possible so it can be submitted to the Crown Prosecutor
  • The accused and their lawyer will receive a copy of your Statement on Restitution
Trial Expenses
  • You are NOT paid to attend court
  • The clerk at the courthouse can provide you with an expense form. Your subpoena is required for this form
  • As a witness for the Crown you are entitled to reasonable travel, mileage and meal expenses
    • Record mileage from your home to the courthouse and keep meal receipts