Marsy's Law for Wisconsin, The Women’s Community Display Silhouettes in Wausau Raising Awareness of Victims’ Rights

MADISON – This weekend, Marsy's Law for Wisconsin and The Women’s Community partnered on a joint event displaying silhouettes in Wausau to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month and help raise awareness of crime victims’ rights in Wisconsin. The silhouettes highlighted various rights included under Marsy’s Law, the state crime victims’ constitutional amendment which was adopted with overwhelming support during the April 2020 election.

“It was an honor to celebrate Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an event highlighting the rights available to victims of crime in our community,” said Ashley Bores, Justice Systems Program Coordinator at The Women’s Community. “As an agency that services victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking, we understand that these crimes know no boundaries.  These violations can happen to anyone; and when they do, it is essential that victims understand the rights available to them as they move through the criminal justice system. We are grateful to partner with Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin to help raise awareness on this important issue.”

Eight silhouettes were placed on display on the Marathon County Courthouse lawn in Wausau. Each silhouette includes a version of a constitutional right included in Marsy’s Law, as well as links to additional resources to inform viewers about victims’ rights in Wisconsin.

“We hope that this silhouette display serves as a reminder for Marathon County residents of the victims and survivors who remain relatively unseen within our communities,” said Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Outreach Director Nela Kalpic. “As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, these silhouettes represent 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.

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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.