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  • The Crime 

    The Crime

    • The effects of crime

      The effects of crime

      Beyond the direct harm caused by a crime, there are common emotional and physical effects that you may experience. You can get support.

    • Types of crime

      Types of crime

      There are many different types of crime. If you are affected, you can take action.

    • How to report a crime

      How to report a crime

      Find out your options for reporting a crime in Victoria.

    • Reasons to report a crime

      Reasons to report a crime

      You may be worried about telling someone what happened, but there are good reasons for making a police report.

    • If I am not ready to report the crime yet

      If I am not ready to report the crime yet

      Even if you are not ready to report a crime, you can still get help from the Victims of Crime Helpline.

    • Keeping safe

      Keeping safe

      Your safety is important and, if you are affected by crime, there are things you can do to help improve it.

    • Service standards you can expect

      Service standards you can expect

      We value diversity, inclusion and social justice, and are committed to treating people of all cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and religions with dignity and respect.

    • Get help

      Get help

      The Victorian Government’s Victims of Crime Helpline offers information, advice and support for you and your family.

  • Police Investigation 

    Police Investigation

    • About the investigation

      About the investigation

      After a crime is reported to police, there is a police investigation.

    • Making a statement

      Making a statement

      If you are the victim or witness of a crime, the police will ask you to make a detailed statement about what happened.

    • Collecting evidence

      Collecting evidence

      As part of the investigation, the police collect evidence they will need to prove a case in court.

    • Getting information about the investigation

      Getting information about the investigation

      You have a right to be kept informed.

  • Charges Laid 

    Charges Laid

    • Laying charges

      Laying charges

      When police investigate a crime, they will decide on whether there is enough evidence to lay charges against an accused person.

    • Summary and indictable offences

      Summary and indictable offences

      Criminal offences are divided into two types based on how serious they are.

    • Bail and remand

      Bail and remand

      Most people who are charged with a crime get bail, which means they are released until the court case.

  • Going to Court 

    Going to Court

    • Getting information about your court case

      Getting information about your court case

      Find out how to get information about court cases in Victoria.

    • Summons and subpoenas

      Summons and subpoenas

      As a victim of crime, you may be called upon to be a witness in court.

    • Types of courts

      Types of courts

      The court the case will go to depends on the type of crime that was committed and the age of the accused person. 

    • Getting ready for court

      Getting ready for court

      If you are a witness in the court case, you need to get ready for court.

    • Giving evidence

      Giving evidence

      What to do when you have to give evidence at court.

    • Victim Impact Statements

      Victim Impact Statements

      Telling the court about how the crime has affected you.

    • The court's decision

      The court's decision

      At the end of a court case, important decisions are made about the verdict and any penalties.

    • Financial assistance and compensation for victims of crime

      Financial assistance and compensation for victims of crime

      If you have been affected by a crime, you may be able to apply for financial assistance or seek compensation from the offender.

    • Applying for financial assistance from VOCAT

      Applying for financial assistance from VOCAT

      Victims of violent crime in Victoria may be able to apply for financial assistance from VOCAT to help them with costs.

    • Child Witness Service

      Child Witness Service

      A service to help children and young people who are witnesses at court.

    • Victims Legal Service

      Victims Legal Service

      Free legal advice and support for people who have suffered injury or loss because of a crime and need help getting financial assistance or compensation.

  • After Court 

    After Court

    • Appeals

      Appeals

      A guilty verdict is not always the end of the court process. Learn about how appeals work.

    • While the offender is in prison

      While the offender is in prison

      Offenders may serve their sentence in a prison or youth justice centre in Victoria.

    • Parole

      Parole

      An offender serving a sentence in prison may apply for parole – conditional release into the community after they have served their non-parole period.

    • Post sentence scheme

      Post sentence scheme

      The post sentence scheme monitors some serious sex and serious violent offenders after the end of their sentence to help reduce risks of reoffending in the community.

    • Victims Register – offender information

      Victims Register – offender information

      Victims can apply to receive updates about offenders who are sent to prison.

  1. Home
  2. Guide to Victim Impact Statements

Guide to Victim Impact Statements

Explains what a Victim Impact Statement is, who can make one and how it is used in court.

This guide explains:

  • what a Victim Impact Statement is
  • who can make one
  • when and how a Victim Impact Statement is used in court.

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  • File
    Guide to Victim Impact Statements (PDF, 287.25 KB) (External link)
Copyright
State of Victoria, 2017
Date of Publication
June 2017

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