What should I Say?
There are many things to consider when making a VIS. Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself:
- How has your life changed since the crime occurred?
- How has the crime affected you emotionally or psychologically?
- How has the crime affected you financially?
- Is this crime a culmination of other crimes or violence committed by the same person?
- What fears or hopes do you have?
- What do you want to happen to the defendant (jail or prison time, treatment, etc.)?
- In your experience, do you think this defendant can be rehabilitated?
- How do you think it will affect you, your family, or the community when the defendant is released?

View an extended list of questions to consider.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Victim Impact Statement?
2. How do I make a VIS?
3. What should I Say?
4. Can someone else speak for me?
5. What if I don't want to make a VIS?
6. What happens to my VIS after sentencing?
7. How to Write a Victim Impact Statement?