How to write a victim impact statement
A victim impact statement helps the Sex Offender Registry Board to understand the consequences of the offender's behavior. As a victim survivor, you know better than anyone else the adverse effects of the offender's behavior. We can provide support throughout the classification process as submitting an impact statement can be an emotionally draining process.
It's important to identify what's different in your and/or your family's life as a result of the offender's crimes. You can talk about the toll the crimes have had on you and your family. You can convey the persistent effects of any physical and emotional trauma you experience, such as:
- Stress
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Poor work or school performance
- Fear for safety
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Trust issues
- Medical issues
- Physical problems
We encourage children and teens to express how they feel about what has happened to them. Your child or teen can draw pictures or faces that convey their feelings, or they can write about what may be different at home, at school, or with friends and family.
Structure of a victim impact statement
Your victim impact statement can either be a clearly written or typed document. Please do not include any identifying information, such as your name or address, in the statement itself. Also, please note that requests for specific levels of classification cannot be accepted by SORB. By law, the level is determined only by the applicability of the risk factors associated with reoffending and dangerousness.
When submitting, please include the following:
- Name of the offender
- Date statement was written
- Tracking number provided to you by the Sex Offender Registry Board
True samples of victim impact statements can be found in the brochure below.