The completion of a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) provides an opportunity for the victim to express to the offender, Judge/Magistrate and court how the crime has affected and/or is continuing to affect their life.

The information in a VIS can be used by the Judge/Magistrate when sentencing the convicted person.

Any person can provide assistance for victims in writing their VIS. Agencies that can provide this service are: Victim Support Service, Witness Assistance Service (Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions) and Victim Contact Officers from the South Australia Police.

The victim does not have to provide a VIS, however many people find it useful to have a voice in a court process that can sometimes cause a feeling of powerlessness.

A victim can change their mind about providing a Victim Impact Statement at any time up to sentencing, bearing in mind that the prosecution, defence counsel and the convicted person also need to see the statement before it is presented.

A VIS is just one part of the entire sentencing process known as "submissions".

Submissions are also presented to the Judge/Magistrate on behalf of the convicted person. The victim does not have to be present for these submissions. It is usual practice for the VIS to be presented first.

Please click here for more information about Victim Impact Statements.