A victim impact statement is a written or verbal account given by a victim (or survivor) to the court, often during sentencing or parole hearings. It’s your opportunity to express:
- How the crime affected you emotionally, psychologically, physically, and financially
- How it changed your daily life, safety, sense of self, and relationships
- What justice means to you and what you would like the court to understand
It is not a place to prove guilt—that’s the prosecution’s role—but rather a space to have your voice heard, formally and powerfully.
🧨 Why Include “Threats”?
When someone tells you to “include these threats” in your statement, they’re advising you to:
- Document any texts, voicemails, emails, or messages containing intimidation, threats, stalking, or harassment
- Show how the abuser or perpetrator is trying to silence, control, or frighten you—even post-separation
- Demonstrate ongoing fear, trauma, or risk you are experiencing as a direct result of the person’s actions
These threats paint a fuller picture for the judge or decision-makers. They show the crime’s continued emotional impact, not just the original incident.
📌 Examples of What to Include:
- Threats to your safety or your children’s
- Threats of legal retaliation or public humiliation
- Obsessive contact after being asked to stop
- Attempts to interfere with your reputation, relationships, or livelihood
- Comments designed to shame, scare, or control you
Be specific:
“Since pressing charges, I have received 18 emails from the defendant, including one that read, ‘You’ll regret this.’ This has made me afraid to leave my house alone.”
⚖️ Why It Matters Legally
Including threats in your impact statement can:
- Influence the severity of sentencing
- Strengthen protective measures (e.g., restraining orders)
- Support your claim of ongoing psychological trauma
- Prove a pattern of coercive control or stalking, especially in emotional abuse cases
🛡️ Your Story, Your Safety
This is your opportunity to speak your truth—in your words. If you’re still feeling unsafe, emotional, or unsure about what to include, that’s completely normal. You don’t have to do it alone.
A therapist, legal advocate, or support worker can help you write it with care, courage, and clarity.
