A Victim Impact Statement is a written or oral statement presented in court by a victim of a crime. It allows the victim to describe how the crime has affected their life, including emotional, physical, and financial impacts. This statement helps the judge understand the consequences of the crime when determining the appropriate sentence for the offender. These statements can be submitted during the sentencing phase of a trial or at parole hearings. They provide a personal perspective on the crime, ensuring that the victim's voice is heard in the legal process. Victims may also choose to have a representative deliver the statement on their behalf.