Marsy's Law for Wisconsin, HELP of Door County Display Silhouettes in Sturgeon Bay Raising Awareness of Victims’ Rights

MADISON – This week, Marsy's Law for Wisconsin and HELP of Door County joined together for an event displaying silhouettes in Sturgeon Bay to help raise awareness of crime victims’ rights in Wisconsin. The silhouettes highlighted various rights included under Marsy’s Law. The display was held in conjunction with HELP of Door County's "Walk With Me" event marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is such an important opportunity to raise awareness of domestic violence and show support for the victims we serve,” said Milly Gonzales, HELP of Door County Executive Director. “It is so important for these victims to understand the rights available to them in the legal process, and we were grateful to partner with Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin to help raise awareness of these rights.”

Eight silhouettes were placed on display in Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay during the "Walk With Me" event. Each silhouette includes a short version of a constitutional right included in Marsy’s Law, the state crime victims’ constitutional amendment which was adopted with overwhelming support during the April 2020 election.

“As we kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we hope that this display of silhouettes will remind Door County residents of the victims and survivors within our communities who remain relatively unseen,” said Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Outreach Director Nela Kalpic. “These silhouettes are a powerful symbol of the real survivors behind the policies we support as advocates, voters, and citizens.”

A full list of the rights available to Wisconsin crime victims under Marsy’s Law is available here.

###

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.