In some situations a primary victim or family victim may choose to make a written statement detailing the personal harm suffered as a direct result of the crime. This is presented to the court by the prosecutor after conviction and before sentencing. If accepted by the court a copy will be given to defence counsel. However, while the accused is allowed to read the victim impact statement (VIS), they are not permitted to keep a copy of the VIS. Speak to the prosecutor if you have any questions or concerns about the accused keeping a copy of the VIS.
It is an important to remember that once the VIS is given to the court it becomes part of the public record and can be accessed by and reported on by the media unless a non-publication order has been made by the judge or magistrate.

A victim or victim’s representative may also read a VIS in part or whole to the court once the VIS has been accepted by the court. A victim impact statement is optional, you do not have to do one if you do not wish to.

To obtain a copy of the Victim Impact Statement Information Package or any other information about Victim Impact Statements, you can speak to the police or prosecutor, or contact the ODPP Witness Assistance Service, the Victims of Crime Bureau or seek assistance from one of the victims support groups.

More information on Victim Impact Statements