Grief Diaries: Victim Impact Statements

The victim impact statement is an indispensable tool that helps hold the offender accountable for the consequences of a crime. It gives the judge the rest of the story, the part that doesn’t appear in police reports or courtroom evidence, and connects vital pieces of information to emotions in a way people can relate to.

Although difficult and painful, writing an impact statement is a critical opportunity to articulate the emotional aftermath of a crime. In Victim Impact Statement, award-wi...