The victim impact statement is an indispensable tool that helps hold the offender accountable for the consequences of a crime. It gives the judge the rest of the story, the part that doesn’t appear in police reports or courtroom evidence, and connects vital pieces of information to emotions in a way people can relate to.

Although difficult and painful, writing an impact statement is a critical opportunity to articulate the emotional aftermath of a crime. In Victim Impact Statement, award-winning advocate Carl Harms offers valuable tips on how to write such a testimonial, followed by a collection of true stories and 25 real statements that serve as examples for family and loved ones who find themselves searching for justice in criminal court. See all titles in the Grief Diaries series at www.GriefDiaries.com.