Victim Impact Statement

A Victim Impact Statement gives you a chance to tell the court how you have been affected by a crime. It is up to you to decide if you want to complete one. Contact your local victim services unit if you have any questions about submitting your Victim Impact Statement.
You can include this in your Victim Impact Statement:
  • How the crime has affected your mind
  • How the crime has affected your body
  • How the crime has affected you financially
  • Fears for your safety
  • You can draw a picture, write a poem or a letter to include in your statement if it helps you express the impact the crime has had on you
  • You can read your statement in the presence of a support person that you choose and 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 offender that isn't about how you were harmed
  • Anything that hasn't been proven in court
  • Anything about a crime where the offender wasn't found guilty
  • Anything about anyone who was part of the investigation or prosecution (police, court workers, lawyers)
  • You can't give your opinion about the sentence, unless asked by the court
  • Any information you don't want the offender or the public to know
Remember:
  • The offender could be sentenced at any time
  • Get your Victim Impact Statement to the court as soon as you can
  • The Victim Impact Statement is not used to apply for restitution (to get money back from the offender)
  • The offender will be allowed to read or hear the Victim Impact Statement

Restitution

Restitution is a way for the offender to repay you if you have lost money, property or had extra expenses because of a crime. You have the right to have the court consider ordering Restitution.
How do I prove that I lost money or property due to a crime?
  • Fill out the Statement on Restitution form
  • Clearly describe what has been lost or damaged
  • Include copies of receipts and other information like photographs and repair estimates or a paystub showing lost wages
What are some things I can request Restitution for?
  • If you had to buy things to replace what you lost
  • Repair and restoration of damage
  • Costs for temporary housing, food, childcare and transportation due to moving out of the offender's household
  • Services like a counsellor or psychologist
  • Lost wages
  • Expenses to order or replace pieces of personal identification or correct your credit history
  • Expenses to remove a personal image from the Internet or other digital network
When the court orders Restitution:
  • You will be provided with a copy of the restitution order if you ask. You are responsible for enforcing the order. You will have to file the order in the Court of Queen's Bench to get what is owed to you. The filing fee will be waived.
  • For more information, refer to  the pamphlet "Getting and Enforcing You Civil Judgement in Alberta" available online or through your Victim Services Unit
If the court doesn't order Restitution:
  • You can sue the offender in a civil court. It will be up to you to pay the court fees and/or lawyer to do this.
Remember:
  • The offender could be sentenced at any time
  • Return your Statement on Restitution form to the police or your local Victim Services Unit as soon as possible
  • The accused and their lawyer will receive a copy of your Statement on Restitution

Financial Benefits Program

What is the Victims of Crime Financial Benefits Program?
The Victims of Crime Financial Benefit Program provides a financial benefit to eligible victims of violent crime in Alberta, as an acknowledgement of their victimization. Benefits are based on the victim's verified injuries. The program does not pay for any costs or losses related to the crime (i.e. personal property loss, damages, lost wages or medical costs)  The program is administered under the Victims of Crime Act and Regulation. Benefit amounts are set in the Victim of Crime Regulation.
The Financial Benefits Program also has a death benefit. If you are applying for a victim who has died as a result of violent crime, complete the Death Benefit Application.
You may be eligible for a Financial Benefit if:
  • you were a victim of one of the eligible offences listed in the Victims of Crime Regulation
  • the crime happened in Alberta
  • you reported the crime to the police within a reasonable time
  • you cooperated fully with the police investigation
  • your application was received within two years of the date of the incident
You may NOT be eligible for a Financial Benefit if:
  • the crime did not happen in Alberta
  • you were injured in a motor vehicle incident
  • you have an extensive criminal record or criminal lifestyle
  • your actions directly or indirectly contributed to your injuries
  • you were a witness to a crime (secondary victim)
More information on the Financial Benefits Program can be obtained from your local Victim Services office, or from the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security in person, by phone or online.

Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security
10th Floor, J.E. Brownlee Building, 10365 – 97 Street NW
Edmonton, AB      T5J 3W7
780-427-7217 
Toll free 310-0000
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