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Victim Advocate

Real-Life Activities

Real-Life Communication

Wendy J. Murphy is the director of a victim advocacy group. "The ability to communicate effectively is very important, because victims need information, and they need support," she says. "The manner and style of communication often determines whether a victim is able to reach out for and utilize services."

She adds that a good communicator can give victims the information they need "to participate meaningfully in the criminal justice system."

One important way a victim can participate is by providing the court with a victim impact statement. This document is presented in court by the prosecutor. It explains, in the victim's own words, what they lost and how the crime has changed their life.

You are a victim advocate. You are helping a client compose an impact statement. This statement will tell what injuries, both physical and emotional, and financial damages the victim has suffered as a result of the crime.

Your client, Mary Smith, is the victim of a drunken driver by the name of B.J. Blue. When he slammed into her car on Feb. 3, her leg broke in three places. Not only has she suffered a lot of physical pain, but her doctor says her career is probably over. She was a ballet dancer, and on that evening, she was on her way to rehearsal.

Her leg had to be operated on, and her financial damages include $15,000 in medical bills. Her new car was also totaled and she lost her job as a result of the wreck. With no income, she had to move in with relatives.

What could Mary's impact statement look like? In about 150 words, write a statement in first person, using all of the information above.