The statement gives the victim an opportunity to give information to the board members directly about the continuing impact of the crime on their life – issues arising since the offender was convicted. It should not take more than 10 minutes to read. You could include information about the physical, emotional, medical and financial impact of the crime on you, your children and family members. You might also talk about concerns you have for your own safety, the safety of your family and of your community, should the offender be released and why you believe there may be a risk.
This statement that you present at the parole board hearing is different than the Victim Impact Statement that you might have given in court at the time of sentencing. This is the second opportunity you have to make a Victim Impact Statement.
By law, all information that will be used in the decision-making process must be shared with the offender 15 days before the hearing. Therefore, you must submit your statement in writing 30 days before the hearing or, if it needs to be translated (if it is in a language other than English or French), 45 days before the hearing date.
You may choose whether you would like to give your statement at the beginning of the hearing or the end. Giving it at the end has more impact.
Mennonite Central Committee Canada. (2011). Getting through the maze: A guidebook for survivors of homicide.