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Victim Impact Statements Guide
Physical
• any injuries you had as a result of the crime (for example, wounds, scars, loss of limbs, infections or disease)
• any ongoing medical treatment you require
• how those injuries or ongoing medical treatment have affected your life (for example, chronic pain, impact
on work, sport or leisure)
Economic (nancial)
• loss of income
• if an injury has affected your ability to work
• any expenses (for example, home security) and cost of medical treatment caused by the crime, or lost or
damaged property
• travel expenses caused by the crime (for example, travel for medical treatment).
Social
• changes to work, study or lifestyle commitments, family or social life
• how safe you feel because of the crime
• changes to your relationships with others (for example, friends, family, community)
A victim impact statement might not be possible in all court cases. You can ask the prosecutor if you can make a
victim impact statement.
What is the benefit of writing a victim impact statement?
A victim impact statement will help the court to understand the impact the crime has had on you before a sentencing
decision is made.
A victim impact statement is also an important opportunity for you to have your voice heard and to share your
experience in a way that is empowering for you.
When do I start writing a victim impact statement?
The prosecutor will tell you when you should start writing a victim impact statement. You should only start writing
a victim impact statement after the offender is convicted. The victim impact statement must be completed before
sentencing of the offender in all cases.
How much time do I have to write my victim impact statement?
You will need to allow enough time for the prosecutor to check your victim impact statement before they give it
to the court. Your statement can be sent to the prosecutor without being signed, and then signed at a later date.
Where possible, you should try to submit your victim impact statement at least 10 days before the sentencing
hearing.
In some courts, sentencing hearings occur quickly. This may mean you may have less than 10 days to prepare a
victim impact statement after the offender is found guilty.
In the Local Court, you may only have a few hours to prepare your victim impact statement. In the District Court
or Supreme Court, sometimes you may only have a few days.
You can talk to the prosecutor or Witness Assistance Service (WAS) in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
(ODPP) about how much time you have to write the victim impact statement.
© State of New South Wales through Victims Services, Department of Justice, December 2020. This work may be freely reproduced for personal, educational and government
purposes. Permission must be received from the Department for all other uses. Alternative formats of this information are available. This document has been prepared by Victims
Services for general information purposes. While every care has been taken in relation to its accuracy, no warranty is given or implied. Further, recipients should obtain their own
independent advice before making any decisions that rely on this information. (VS • REV 03/2023)