A victim is someone to whom harm was done or who suffered physical or emotional loss as a result of the commission of the offence.
Victims have a right under the Criminal Code to make representations to the court by way of a Victim Impact Statement. The Criminal Code requires the court to consider a victim impact statement, if there is one, for the purpose of determining the sentence to be imposed on the offender.
A victim impact statement is a written account of the personal harm suffered by a victim of crime. A statement is to describe the harm done to or loss suffered by the victim, and may include the psychological, emotional, and physical impact of the offence, financial loss, and medical treatment.
The completion of a victim impact statement is an important process for victims. It allows a victim to explain in writing, and possibly verbally during the court process, how their lives have been affected by the crime. It provides the victim an opportunity to play an important role in the criminal justice process.
The statement may be prepared by the victim, by someone on behalf of the victim, by the survivors of deceased victims, by the parent or guardian of a child victim, by a spouse, or by a dependant or close relative of a victim who is unable to make the statement. There are three types of Victim Impact Statements: Adult, Child/Youth (for children and youths), and Child (for young children).
Please read the Victim Impact Statement Information Guide and Instructions carefully prior to completing the applicable form. Completed forms are to be directed to the Crown Attorney's Office by mail or fax, as follows:
Ministry of the Attorney General Crown Attorney's Office Territorial District of Sudbury Court House 155 Elm Street Sudbury, Ontario P3C 1T9
