Information for Victims of Crimes

Guidelines for Writing Victim Statements
to be Presented at National Parole Board Hearings

These guidelines are meant to help victims prepare written statements that will be presented at a National Parole Board hearing.

The role of National Parole Board members is to assess the risk the offender may pose, should a release be granted and whether that risk could be managed with appropriate conditions and supervision. The Board welcomes and takes into consideration relevant information from victims.

YOU MAY WANT TO SPEAK ABOUT:

1. The continuing impact of the crime since sentencing. This could include information about the physical, emotional, medical and financial impact of this crime on yourself, your children and family members, or others who are close to you.
2. Concerns you may have for the safety of yourself, your family, or the community with regard to the offender should he or she be released, explaining why you believe there may be a risk.

The Board is required by law to ensure that all information that is to be considered at a hearing must be shared in writing with the offender at least fifteen days before the hearing. To ensure that this sharing can be done within the legislated time frame, your written statement should normally be sent to the Board as early as possible but not later than

• thirty (30) days before the hearing date, if no translation is required; or
• forty-five (45) days before the hearing date, if translation is required.

You may present your statement at the hearing in either English or French and either orally or by video-tape (VHS) or audio tape. However, the hearing will be held in the official language requested by the offender and a written statement sent to the Board in English or French may need to be translated. The Board will translate statements from any other language unless you provide a translation. If you are not able to read in English or French please tell Board staff as early as possible prior to the hearing.