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Informational

Victim Impact Statements

Last Updated

July 6, 2026

Last Reviewed

July 6, 2026

Owner

King County, WA
Topic
Legal Safety Planning
Category
Victim Support
Audience
Advocates , Appropriate for survivors , Prosecutors

Summary

A victim impact statement is testimony, written or spoken, from a victim, entity, or business.

During sentencing, it describes how the crime harmed them in 1 or more ways including:

  • Physically
  • Psychologically
  • Emotionally
  • Financially

When determining an offender’s sentence, the court considers the victim impact statement and statements from both the prosecution and the defense.