When someone is convicted of domestic violence, you may have the opportunity to submit a Victim Impact Statement (VIS). This is your voice in the courtroom. It’s a chance to explain—on your terms—how the abuse has affected you and your loved ones.

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• A written or oral statement describing how the crime has affected your:

  • Physical and emotional health

  • Financial situation

  • Safety and sense of security

  • Relationships and daily life

• Submitted after a conviction, before sentencing

• Helps the judge decide on a just and meaningful sentence

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• Focus on the effects of the abuse, not the details of the crime (that’s already covered at trial)

• Be truthful, clear, and personal—this is your story

• You can include:

  • Ongoing fear or trauma

  • Loss of housing or income

  • Impact on your children

  • Counseling or therapy needs

  • How your daily life has changed

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• Accusations not proven in court

• Opinions on what sentence should be given

• Threats, insults, or abusive language

• New allegations unrelated to the case

You do not have to write one—it's entirely your choice.

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• Use the official Victim Impact Statement Form from the court or police

• You can write it yourself, or get help from:

  • Victim Services Ontario

  • Court support workers

  • Women’s shelters or legal clinics

• You can choose to:

  • Read it aloud in court

  • Have it read by the Crown or judge

  • Submit it in writing only

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• No. Submitting a VIS is not the same as testifying

• You won’t be cross-examined or questioned by the accused’s lawyer

• It’s your statement, for the court to hear and consider during sentencing

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• You can request:

  • A support person to stand with you

  • A screen or remote testimony option

  • To submit it in private

• The offender and their lawyer will receive a copy, but your contact info is protected

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• ✅ You can submit a statement after a guilty verdict in criminal court

• ✅ It’s a powerful way to describe how the abuse affected your life

• ✅ You don’t have to read it aloud if you’re not comfortable

• ✅ Support is available to help you write it

• ✅ It can help judges understand the full impact before sentencing

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• Victim Support Line (Ontario) – 1-888-579-2888

• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511

• Barbra Schlifer Clinic – Legal and trauma counselling

• VWAP (Victim/Witness Assistance Program) – For court support and VIS help

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No, it is completely your choice. Submitting a VIS is a right, not a requirement. Some survivors find it to be an empowering part of their healing journey, while others may choose not to.

No. A Victim Impact Statement is not testimony, and you will not be cross-examined on it. It is your personal account of the impact of the crime, presented directly to the court.

You should not include any new, unproven accusations against the offender. You should also not use the statement to express your opinion on what the sentence should be (e.g., "I think he should go to jail for five years"). Your focus should be solely on the impact the crime has had on you.

Yes. The court can provide safety measures. You can ask for a screen to be set up so you do not have to see the offender, or you can have a support person stand with you. You also have the option of having someone else read your statement for you.

You don't have to do it alone. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), which is available in every criminal courthouse in Ontario, has staff who are specially trained to help you write your statement and explain the process.

Yes. The offender or their lawyer is entitled to receive a copy of your Victim Impact Statement before the sentencing hearing. This is to ensure the court process is fair and they have a chance to respond to what is said.