Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
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Due Date: 7 April 2026
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, Victim Impact Statements in South Africa: Evaluating Their Role in Sentencing
and Victim Participation
1. Introduction
Victim impact statements form part of the criminal justice process and give victims a
chance to explain how a crime has affected their lives before sentencing. Victim
impact and harm refer to the physical injury, emotional trauma, social disruption, and
financial loss caused by the offence (CMY3705 Study Guide 2019). Victims’ needs
and rights in practice relate to fair treatment, respect, information, and participation in
legal processes. Secondary victimisation refers to further harm experienced through
insensitive treatment by justice officials or poor procedures. Victim participation
beyond sentencing includes involvement in processes such as parole decisions and
post sentencing communication. Victim agency and meaning making refer to the
ability of victims to express their experiences in their own voice and regain a sense
of control. In South Africa, the use of victim impact statements aims to support these
elements, yet gaps in implementation may limit their effectiveness in fully
representing the victim’s experience (CMY3705 Study Guide 2019).
2. Definition of key concepts
2.1. Victim impact and harm
Victim impact and harm refer to the full effect of a crime on a person. This includes
physical injury, emotional trauma, social disruption and financial loss. It reflects how
the offence changes the victim’s daily life and wellbeing (CMY3705 Study Guide,
2019).
2.2. Victims’ needs and rights in practice
This concept focuses on what victims require from the justice system, such as
respect, information, protection and support. It also includes the right to be heard
and treated fairly during legal processes (CMY3705 Study Guide, 2019).
2.3. Secondary victimisation
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