VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT

ELA 9Novel Studies – Touching Spirit Bear: Victim Impact StatementVictim impact statementObjectives:WHAT IS A VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT?A victim impact statement is a written statement (could be 2-3 paragraphs or longer) by avictim of the personal harm suffered as a result of the offence.It gives the victim an opportunity not only to say what impact the offence has had on thevictim, but also what, in the opinion of the victim, should be done about the matter.A victim impact statement is given AFTER a person has been convicted and BEFORE the personin sentenced.Once the defendant has been found guilty, the judge will look at the Victim Impact Statementto help make the correct decision regarding punishment.WHO CAN MAKE A VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT? 1. A primary victim (the person against whom the offence was committed). 2. A family victim (The victim's spouse, parent, sibling etc. 3. A representative of the victim (family friend, counselor, medical ).Task:After reading the novel, Touching Spirit Bear, you will be forced to focus on several themes inregards to:o Personal Responsibilityo Violence/Angero Justiceo Healing/ForgivenessFor this assignment, you are asked to use the following scenario below OR create your ownscenario. Please go over with the teacher for his/her approval of your idea before beginning.You have just been released from hospital, after alengthy recuperation period for a broken leg and whiplash, caused by being hit on the ski slope by a "hot dog"skier. The judge in your case would like you to present aVICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT before he brings down adecision regarding sentencing.

Using the sample format/template provided on the following page, you will be asked to takeyour scenario and follow the procedures that would take place AFTER a person has beenconvicted and BEFORE the person in sentenced of a crime. Often people are asked to fill out avictim’s statement to help assist the judge in deciding the sentencing for the offender.Your project is broken down into three steps:o 1: Creation of Scenario (Typed out and put onto a poster board for display)o 2: Victim Impact Statemento 3: PresentationBelow is the following guidelines for the project.STEP 1: CREATION OF SCENARIO – (SEE PREVIOUS EXAMPLE ON FIRST PAGE)STEP 2: VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT -- Written Statement1). Begin your statement with addressing the court (Your Honor).2). Organize your thoughts in a MINIMUM of 500 to 600 words.3). Describe the event in the first paragraph.4). Describe the injury sustained and how this has impacted your life physically, emotionally, socially(second paragraph).5). Make a recommendation as to restitution, plus (if desired) a recommendation as to theappropriate sentence. (third paragraph).6). Make a closing statement --should be a powerful "punch" that will have a lingering affect in thecourtroom.7). Edit carefully--check for content, organization, sentence structure, strong vocabulary, spelling,grammar.STEP 3: PRESENTATION (ORAL)1). Prepare to come "in character" and orally present your victim impact statement.2). Speak loudly and clearly to the audience.3). Voice should have strong intonation (expression).4). Eye contact with the audience.

The Honorable____CITY of (name)(2 lines)Dear Judge (name):SAMPLE FORMAT FOR A VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENTFirst section— In your own words, thank the judge for the opportunity topresent your statement.Second section – One or two paragraphs summarizing the next foursections. (This is a writing technique called "tell them what you are going totell them about.")Third section – The Burden on the Victim. This is the time to summarizeyour efforts to clear up the problem caused by this crime. Tell about thehours you spent, the numerous letters and phone calls you made, fraudalerts on accounts, changing accounts, getting a new driver’s licensenumber, dealing with credit grantors and governmental agencies. Werethere any long-term effects such as refused credit or the loss of a job? Keepit short and be specific.Fourth section – The Emotional Impact. How did this affect you and yourfamily emotionally, medically? How did this affect your family,relationships and employment? Did this crime cause a change in yourlifestyle or your personality? Give examples and some details to prove yourpoint but don’t beat it to death.Fifth section – State your respectful requests of the court in terms ofsentencing. Then write a short conclusion. This is your final opportunity tobriefly explain why you hope the judge will take this crime seriously andconsider your requests. Don’t vent. Be respectful and talk about whysociety should not tolerate this crime. What really made it so wrong? Whattrust did this person violate – for you and for society?Finally -- Thank the courts for their attention and sign your name.