
The Verdict If the defendant is found guilty then a date will be set for sentencing. At this time the Judge weighs up the offences committed and receives reports relating to the defendant. It is at this point a survivor can tender a Victim Impact Statement which can tell the Judge how the crime has affected her. More information about Victim Impact Statements is available from the rape Crisis Centre, SACAT or the courts. If the defendant is acquitted (found not guilty) this can be very distressing for the survivor who made the complaint to the police. She can feel that nobody believes her and that she is the guilty person. An acquittal does not have to be about believing you or not. It can be because the jury doesn't think there is sufficient evidence to prove "beyond reasonable doubt" that the crime was committed by the defendant. To Previous Page Page Last Updated 31/5/2001 © 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Best viewed in Microsoft Explorer 4 or Netscape 4

The Verdict

If the defendant is found guilty then a date will be set for sentencing. At this time the Judge weighs up the offences committed and receives reports relating to the defendant. It is at this point a survivor can tender a Victim Impact Statement which can tell the Judge how the crime has affected her.

More information about Victim Impact Statements is available from the rape Crisis Centre, SACAT or the courts. If the defendant is acquitted (found not guilty) this can be very distressing for the survivor who made the complaint to the police. She can feel that nobody believes her and that she is the guilty person. An acquittal does not have to be about believing you or not. It can be because the jury doesn't think there is sufficient evidence to prove "beyond reasonable doubt" that the crime was committed by the defendant.