How a victim personal statement is used

The Parole Board panel makes a decision based on whether a prisoner is a risk to the public.

The panel can use your victim personal statement to help it:

  • understand the impact of the crime
  • decide what questions to ask the prisoner, to find out about their understanding of how their crimes have affected victims
  • decide what the prisoner can and cannot do (known as ‘licence conditions’) if they’re released

The Parole Board will make its decision by:

  • privately reviewing a file of information and reports about the prisoner
  • holding a hearing, if the board needs more information

You can ask to attend the hearing to read out your statement if you want, or have it read out for you. The Parole Board decides if you can attend.