The impact of victim impact statements

Abstract

Victim impact statements (VIS) are testimonies that convey the emotional, physical, and financial harm that victims have suffered as the result of a crime. This study sheds light on this victims' experiences with the justice system, and consists of two studies designed to explore the impact of victim impact statements. Study 1 examined 1332 sentencing rulings to discover the relationship between VIS and sentencing. Overall, VIS do not contribute to longer custodial sentences. However, VIS are more likely to be submitted in cases where the crime is more severe. Study 2 of this thesis was a content analysis of 82 Canadian VIS. Overall, victims find the process of writing and submitting VIS to be retraumatizing and difficult. They most commonly discuss the long-lasting emotional impacts of crime. These findings have implications for victims, victim service workers, legal professionals, and others in our justice system.