Having your say

Victims can contribute to the parole process by providing a Victim Impact Statement.

A Victim Impact Statement is a written statement prepared by a victim of a crime.

It gives the Parole Board the opportunity to understand the impact of the crime on the victim's life and therefore make informed decisions about the prisoner's eligibility for parole.

A Victim Impact Statement tells, in the words of the victim:

• how the crime affected them, including the impact it has had on their physical, emotional or financial well-being
• how it continues to affect them
• how they would feel about the prisoner being released from prison
• what conditions they would like to see included in the parole order (such as a non-contact clause) if the prisoner were to be released on parole

Victims can prepare a Victim Impact Statement or a personal letter to the Parole Board themselves, or can seek assistance from Victims Support Services or Victims of Crime Service.

It is important to note that victims are not required to prepare a Victim Impact Statement, the decision is completely voluntary. 

Victims Support Service would encourage the victim to prepare a Victim Impact Statement so that the Parole Board has all the relevant information, but will respect the wishes of the victim.