Victim impact classes allow offenders to understand how their actions have affected others. They are held in prison or by court order, and include videos, speakers, and handouts. Speakers must be screened, and victims can read impact statements in court.
A victim impact class gives criminals the ability to examine how their behavior has affected other people. The program typically takes place in prison, but sometimes participation in a panel or presentation is required as a condition of probation. Classes have been trained for both adults and minors in secure facilities and through local courts where offenders participate in panel presentations. Victims of a crime are usually allowed to read aloud a victim impact statement to the offender in court or at parole hearings.
Victim impact class usually takes place in prison or by court order after an offense, such as drunk driving. The curriculum begins with a definition of what constitutes the particular crime and features material outlining victim reactions or reading impact statements. This may include videos of crime victims, handouts or speakers. Class participants are asked to consider areas of life where the effects are being felt, such as financial, physical, and spiritual. They have to consider what their feelings would be under similar circumstances.
Incarcerated offenders and speakers are carefully screened for inclusion in the victim impact class program. Every effort is made not to exacerbate victims’ trauma or cause problems in a facility because emotions may run high in some of the presentations. Offenders may have the opportunity to ask questions of a speaker and be assigned homework. Upon completion of class or receipt of an assigned essay, they will receive an official certificate of completion. Youth programs are similar to adult programs, but may not be as intensive.
People who would like to share their stories during a victim impact lecture or panel can contact their local victim services group. They will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire and a screening interview with the program facilitator to evaluate their presentation. Applicants should be open to helping offenders understand the effects of their crimes. Unresolved anger or blame that might make them defensive will negate the purpose of the class. Speakers reported that the presentations helped them achieve closure, and offenders say they gained some perspective.
Victim impact statements are a right of a crime victim in jurisdictions that allow them. They usually take place near the end of the judicial process or at a parole hearing for eligible offenders. In cases where the crime has led to death, the right to deposition is extended to the family members of the victim of the crime. The offender may still be encouraged or coerced to take a victim impact class while in prison or on probation despite having heard a statement read in court.
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