Victim Impact Statement

[Bs3lht]

Hi there,

I'm not entirely sure where the best place to post this is but to cut a long story short, the man who raped me is being considered for release from prison.

He is due to attend a parole hearing later this year.

My task is to write a victim impact statement & my therapist suggests that I get good advice from someone with expertise in this. I have written one in the past, but I was so depressed at the time I barely remember doing so.

Does anyone have any suggestions where I could turn? I'm in the UK, I thought victim support or the like?

In theory I could contact my past legal team, but could really do without incurring more costs.

TIA

Lau

 

[Seasounds]

@Bs3lht, Even though I don't know or have the information you need, I do send my support your way. Congratulations in being an advocate for yourself and others, to aid your recovery.:tup:

 

[UnKnown-Self]

Perhaps a therapist could help you. I don't know what is available in the UK but an outreach program for women who have been the victims of sexual violence might help you at no cost. Last but not least, do a through search of the topic on the net.

 

[EveHarrington]

:hug:

You're quite brave! Sending you strength to get through this trying process.

 

[GMW]

The witness care team should be able to help you - if not as you say then Victim's support can. My experience is that they should guide you what to write (in terms of what not to say, what to include... not telling you exactly what to write) and you will need help with knowing legally what you can and can't say.

Either that or Citizen's Advice would be helpful. I found them really useful when I was in the midst of a financial fraud case (didn't understand any of the terminology or what had happened) and they can find you someone to give you free legal advice (they have solicitors on staff).

I hope that helps; 3 possible free channels that can either directly help or point you in the right direction.

Because writing it will be painful for you, don't forget to ask who you can and can't discuss it with. When I took one of my attackers to court, I worked next to a witness for the prosecution and we were told we were not allowed to discuss the case. This was SO hard but we had to. You may find getting your therapist to help write it may be frowned upon as he/she might be seen to have undue influence over what you say. Check if there are any restrictions on this. He/She might be able to support you through the process (in fact I would hope you wouldn't be expected to deal with this alone) but actually helping you write it might be another matter - always best to check so you can't be accused of any wrong doing.

I too got one of my attackers sent to jail - it's an awful process. There's nothing about it that brings closure. So my heart goes with you on this. Good luck xxx

 

[Freedomfighter]

Hi there,

I'm not entirely sure where the best place to post this is but to cut a long story short, the...

Gosh golly, why don't you ask us to help you compose that kind of statement? There are a lot of us in this forum who have lived through that, who know exactly what that feels like.
I guarantee that many of us could help you write a dynamite statement that gets attention.

I am just saying, some of us are talented writers and some of us have education in that field too.

I am a survivor of incest, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and have degrees in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies. Being a very good writer, would be more than happy to help.

 

[Gs172003]

Gosh golly, why don't you ask us to help you compose that kind of statement? There are a lot of...

That is so sweet