Victim Impact Statements

Note: If you do not understand some words in this document, you can find the meanings on the DPP website under ‘Commonly Used Terms’. Please click the Easy Read/Plain English version.

A Victim Impact Statement (VIS) is a statement you can write which says what has happened to you because of the offence. It is given to the Court when the offender is being sentenced.

You can choose whether to write a VIS or not. A VIS can be helpful so you can tell your story and how the offence has impacted you.

You can write a VIS if you:

- Are a victim

- Are the parent/guardian/carer to a victim

- Are someone with a close relationship to the victim

If you are not the victim, the victim must sign the statement saying they agree to it.

This document (VIS Guide) can help you with the layout and ideas on what to write.

If you have questions, you can contact our office and ask for the Witness Assistance Service.