Skip to content

Notifications

Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. See how to send and receive government mail during this time. 

AI search tool

Try our new Search AI tool as an alternative to the search below to improve your experience on Alberta.ca using artificial intelligence. See the AISearch fact sheet for more information.

Popular topics:

Part of Help for victims of crime

Victim impact statement

Tell the judge how you have been hurt by a crime before an offender is sentenced.

Explore pages in:
Help for victims of crime

Why make a statement

A victim impact statement is a chance to let the judge know how the offender’s crime has hurt you. The judge will consider your statement:

  • if the accused is found guilty
  • when sentencing the offender(s)

The statement:

  • is voluntary
  • can be read out in court when the offender is sentenced

What it can say

You do not have to talk about anything you do not want to. If you want, your impact statement can talk about how the crime:

  • emotionally hurt you
  • physically hurt you
  • cost you money
  • made you fearful

What it cannot say

Your impact statement cannot be used to:

  • ask for financial help
  • talk about other crimes
  • support the offender(s)
  • make unproven accusations
  • complain about the police or the legal system
  • suggest what the sentence should be – unless approved by the judge, first
  • make statements about the offender(s) or the crime which are not related to your suffering

How to make the statement

After the accused is charged

Get your statement ready as soon as possible because:

  • they may plead guilty right away
  • the judge must have the statement before sentencing

If there is more than one offender, you can either:

  • name all the offenders on one form, or
  • fill out one form for each offender

Your statement can include other ways to tell your story, like with a:

  • letter
  • poem
  • drawing

Step 1. Fill out the form

Download and fill out the Victim Impact Statement form.

Check the box at the end of the form if you want to read your statement in court.

Step 2. Submit the form

Keep a copy for your records.

Remember, the judge must receive your statement before the offender is sentenced. Allow enough time for the court to get your Victim Impact Statement.

You can send the statement by:

  • mail
  • delivery

Send it to one of these places:

Resources

Contact

Connect with a Victims Services Unit:

View all contact options

Related

Previous Programs for victims of crime
Next Community impact statement