What Should I Say?

There are many things to consider when making a Victim Impact Statement. Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself:

• How has your life changed since the crime occurred?
• How has the crime affected you emotionally or psychologically?
• How has the crime affected you financially?
• Is this crime a culmination of other crimes or violence committed by the same person?
• What fears or hopes do you have?
• What do you want to happen to the defendant (jail or prison time, treatment, etc.)?
• In your experience, do you think this defendant can be rehabilitated?
• How do you think it will affect you, your family, or the community when the defendant is released?

For an extended list of questions to consider, click here.