How to Write a Victim Impact Statement UK (Template & Guide)
Victim impact statement UK guidance can feel overwhelming when you’re already carrying the emotional weight of what happened. But this statement is your right. It gives you the chance to describe the effect a crime has had on your life — in your own words. Not the facts of the case, but the human cost.
This post gives you everything you need: a survivor-first structure, emotional tips, and a free victim impact statement UK template you can use today.
What Is a Victim Impact Statement UK?
A victim impact statement is a personal account of how a crime has affected you emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially. It’s often submitted during legal proceedings, and in the UK, it plays a key role in the post-conviction process. While it doesn’t influence whether someone is found guilty, it can absolutely shape how they’re sentenced.
In the UK, your statement may be submitted to:
- The police, during the investigation
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), to consider as part of their case review
- A judge, before sentencing
Often, people don’t realise just how much their voice matters. This isn’t about legal jargon. It’s about honesty. It’s your chance to say, “Here’s what this has done to me.”
What to Include in a Victim Impact Statement UK
You don’t need to write perfectly. You just need to speak clearly. Use plain language. Say what you feel. Here’s a format you can follow, with examples.
1. Who You Are
Start with a simple introduction. Mention your name, age, and (if relevant) your profession or circumstances. For example:
- “My name is Ellie. I’m 38 years old, and I live in Lancashire with my two daughters.”
2. Emotional and Mental Impact
This is the heart of your victim impact statement UK. Be specific about how the incident has affected your emotional wellbeing.
- “Since the incident, I’ve developed panic attacks and sleep disturbances.”
- “I no longer trust people easily. I avoid dating, meeting new people, or socialising.”
- “There are days I physically can’t get out of bed.”
You don’t need to make it sound dramatic. Just truthful.
3. Lifestyle and Physical Effects
Even if you weren’t physically harmed, trauma can affect your body. Include anything that shows how your day-to-day life has shifted:
- “I avoid areas I once enjoyed.”
- “I’ve lost my appetite and dropped two stone without meaning to.”
- “I feel constantly on edge, even in my own home.”
4. Financial Impact
Often overlooked, but this matters. Mention all costs you’ve incurred, no matter how small:
- Therapy, counselling, or support groups
- Travel costs to court or appointments
- Missed work and income loss
- Medication or alternative treatments
5. Long-Term Changes
This part should help others understand what’s ongoing. Are you still in therapy? Are you afraid to go out? Have you had to move or cut off people?
Include anything that helps them see the ripples this has had on your future.
Victim Impact Statement UK Template
My name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Age], and I am submitting this victim impact statement UK to explain how the offence has affected my life.
Since the incident, I’ve experienced [e.g. anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance]. I find myself unable to [e.g. go out alone, trust people, focus at work].
I’ve needed [e.g. therapy, medication, time off] to manage the effects, which has affected me emotionally and financially.
Even now, I feel the consequences every day. I hope this statement helps others understand the seriousness of what I’ve lived through.
Extra Guidance
Here are a few extra pointers:
- Keep it factual and personal. Don’t exaggerate — truth is powerful enough.
- Take your time. Write it, leave it, come back to it.
- Ask someone you trust to read it with you if possible.
- Don’t worry about sounding a certain way. Let it be raw if that’s how it feels.
There’s no such thing as a perfect victim impact statement — just an honest one.
Support & Resources
If you’re unsure about your rights or the process of submitting your statement, visit the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales. They provide information about support services and what to expect when giving a victim impact statement UK.
️ Want Support?
We created the Closure Letter Kit to support survivors like you. It’s packed with printable prompts, structure, and gentle guidance to help you write strong, grounded letters and statements.