Kalpic Appointed to Wisconsin Crime Victims’ Rights Board
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Outreach Director Nela Kalpic named to independent body overseeing crime victims’ rights
MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently appointed Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Outreach Director Nela Kalpic to serve as the next gubernatorial appointee to the Wisconsin Crime Victims’ Rights Board (CVRB), an independent body that oversees the application of Wisconsin’s victims’ rights laws.
A survivor herself, Nela is devoted to helping other survivors, and has been recognized for her advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. She was awarded the Courage Award by former Governor Scott Walker and also serves on the Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse.
“I am humbled and grateful to be named as one of the five appointees to the Crime Victims’ Rights Board by Governor Evers,” said Kalpic. “Wisconsin has a proud history of leading on victims’ rights, and now with Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin in place, our residents have the protection of a set of clear, meaningful, and enforceable constitutional rights. I’m honored to be part of the process of ensuring that those rights are afforded to crime victims in the Badger State.”
The CVRB is an independent agency that was created by the legislature to ensure that Wisconsin’s victims’ rights laws are upheld. The board reviews victims' rights complaints filed by victims of crime against public officials, public employees and public agencies, and is tasked with issuing reports and recommendations concerning the securing and provision of crime victims’ rights and services. More information about the CVRB is available on the Wisconsin Department of Justice website.
The new crime victims’ constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin was recently approved in an overwhelming April referendum vote, with 75% of Wisconsin voters favoring the measure. Following certification, the grassroots organization that helped champion the new crime victims’ rights amendment is now working to provide educational opportunities for local victim advocates and law enforcement as Wisconsin applies the new constitutional amendment to the criminal justice system.
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About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that championed a unique proposal to give victims of crime equal rights in our state, building on Wisconsin’s laws and history of leading on this issue. The crime victims’ rights state constitutional amendment, also known as Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, was ratified during the April 7, 2020 election with an overwhelming 75 percent of voters in support. Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.
Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].