A Victim Impact Statement can be written or oral. It grants the victim not only an opportunity to provide information for the judge to consider at sentencing, but allows the victim to articulate the pain, anguish, and financial devastation the crime has caused.

    Judges and other criminal justice system personnel have little opportunity to communicate how the crime affected the victim or secondary victims. A Victim Impact Statement provides the court with essential data which leads to appropriate sentences and suitable restitution.

• notification of time and place of sentencing;
• victims' right to be present at sentencing; and
• opportunity for victims to provide a personal statement to be used to determine an appropriate sentence.

• A *brief* summary of the harm or trauma suffered by the victim as a result of the crime. An effective statement is approximately 3-5 minutes in length.
• A summary of the economic loss or damage suffered by the victim as a result of the crime. Include requests for restitution for out-of-pocket expenses.
• The victim's reactions or objections to the proposed sentence. Jail, prison, work release, and community service can be addressed.
• A concise statement of what outcome the victim would like and the reasons to support this opinion, including support for or opposition to treatment or community service programs.
• Highlights about the victim. Their past accomplishments, hopes for the future, and what the crime has done to curtail these activities.
• The overall effect the critical incident has had on the victim and family.

• Present the statement in written form, or
• Present the statement orally to the court, or
• Request the prosecuting attorney or victim advocate to orally present the statement.

• The physical injuries incurred -- temporary or permanent;
• The medical or dental treatment required and any potential surgery, on-going therapy, etc.;
• Emotional/psychological injuries suffered and prognosis for future treatment;
• Loss of ability to work and lost wages;
• Change in lifestyle -- ability to work, play, drive, forced relocation;
• Impact on other members of the family;
• Persisting pain and emotional trauma -- anxiety, nightmares, desperation;
• Your feelings about people who commit crime;
• Effect of sudden death to remaining family members -- spouse, children, parents, siblings -- loss of hopes, dreams, companionship, financial security; and
• The victim's accomplishments, awards, and activities -- photographs or family portraits may be helpful.