FAQ

A victim impact statement is a document you submit to the court that describes how a crime has affected your life — emotionally, physically, financially, and personally. It is considered by the judge or magistrate when deciding the offender's sentence. Victim impact statements are also commonly submitted with criminal injuries compensation applications. They can help the assessor decide what compensation amount an individual should be entitled to.

No. Writing a victim impact statement is completely voluntary. If you choose not to write one, the court or assessor will not assume the crime had no impact on you.

Yes. Justice Draft is completely free to use. There is no payment required at any stage.

No. You only need to provide your email address so we can save your progress and send you your completed statement. We will never send you anything else.

Yes. When you enter your email at the start, we automatically save your progress. You will receive a private link you can use to return at any time — from any device.

You can skip any question at any time. Your statement will be sent with however much or little you've written. There is no pressure to answer everything.

Nobody. Your answers are completely private. Justice Draft never shares your answers with anyone. Your statement is sent only to the email address you provide.

Your completed statement is sent to your email as plain text, organised under clear section headings. You can copy it into a Word document or share it directly with your lawyer or support worker.

Yes. Justice Draft can be used for any type of offence — including family and domestic violence, assault, sexual offences, and property crime.

No. Justice Draft is a guided writing tool only. It helps you find the words for your experience. It does not provide legal advice. For legal questions about your specific matter, please speak with a lawyer or community legal centre.

Your completed statement can be shared with your lawyer, Witness Assistance Service officer, or support worker. They can help you submit it to the court. If you don't have a support person, contact your local community legal centre or call the Victims of Crime Helpline in your state.

Your privacy is our priority. We only collect your email address. If you are concerned about your safety or digital privacy, we recommend using a private email address that is not monitored by anyone else, and accessing the site in a private browser window.

Yes. A support worker can sit alongside a client and help them complete the form. The statement is sent to the email address provided at the start, so it can be directed to the support worker's email if preferred.

Please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For family and domestic violence support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.