Businesses can fill out a Victim Impact Statement (VIS): Everyone who has been a victim of crime may voluntarily complete a Victim Impact Statement.  It is a written description of the harm done to you as a victim of crime.

A VIS is your chance to tell the judge about any financial or property loss you have suffered, as well as the emotional impact on you and your employees. The judge will consider your VIS information when sentencing an individual.

In addition to the judge and prosecutor, the VIS information may be shared with corrections, probation, parole, and community justice groups.

This is your opportunity to make sure that the court is aware of the effects the crime has caused you and your business. 
 
Why it’s important:

• You have the legal right to inform the judicial system of the impact of the crime that your business has suffered.
• The offender could have his sentence, probation conditions, or early release impacted by the information that you provide.
• The ‘system’ won’t know how much your business has been impacted by this crime unless you tell them.

Here’s how:

• Obtain a copy of the VIS form from the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce offices, any RCMP office, Victim Services or the Law Courts Building, or download your copy by clicking here:  http://www.gov.yk.ca/forms/forms/4500/yg4550_e.pdf. 
• Write the Victim Impact Statement in your own words. When completed, the statement should provide a description of the impact the crime has had on you, your business and/or your staff – both financially and emotionally.
• For crimes such as theft, vandalism and shoplifting, you can get help in preparing your statement from the Crown Witness Coordinators at 867-667-8100.
• For crimes involving physical or emotional trauma, threats or violence, such as robbery or assault, you can contact Victim Services at 867-667-8500 for assistance.
• Return the Victim Impact Statement as soon as possible to the Crown Witness Coordinators, located in the Law Courts Building 2134 2^nd Ave, Whitehorse.

What happens next?

• The Crown Witness Coordinator will file the Victim Impact Statement with the Clerk of the Court who will ensure that it’s made available to the crown prosecutor, the offender’s lawyer, and the judge following a finding or admission of guilt.  The offender is allowed to read the statement.
• The judge must then consider a Victim Impact Statement when sentencing an offender.