[Madison, Wis.] – The bipartisan coalition in favor of Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin continues to grow, with a local police chief and a local survivor of violent crime among the many supporting equal rights for crime victims and calling on their neighbors to contact state lawmakers.
Letters to the editor, op-eds, and local news coverage involving these supporters and many others have been published across the state. This is in addition to Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin’s recent announcement that it had secured more than 175 key endorsements in just 150 days.
Check out what they’re are saying:
Sturtevant Police Department Chief S.M. Marschke said in The Racine Journal Times: “In my 25 years of law enforcement, I understand the horrific effects criminals leave on their victims… I fully support Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin — bipartisan legislation to ensure equal rights for crime victims — and encourage you to tell your state lawmakers to do the same. …”
Magdalena Kozikowska, a survivor of sexual assault said in The Beloit Daily News: “There is an effort in our state to provide these rights called Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, which would provide equal rights to crime victims by updating our state Constitution. I’ve decided to tell my story of survival because I’m living proof of why we need to fight for these rights.”
The Beloit Daily News reported on Magdalena’s story: “Through her tragic experiences, Kozikowska said she learned victims must be active and aggressive in demanding their rights. She is hoping Marsy’s Law might make it a little easier. ‘If you want justice, you have to go for it. The law will make the fight a little easier and won’t make one to feel punished by the system,’ she said. Today, Kozikowska not only advocates for Marsy’s Law but speaks to young girls who are victims of sexual assault. ‘I don’t consider myself as a victim, but as a survivor,’ she said.”
The Beloit Daily News reported on Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin: “Marsy’s Law of Wisconsin is working with Novak, Wanggaard and a statewide coalition to pass the legislation. The legislation has 40 co-sponsors who are both Republican and Democrat… Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee ‘Marsy’ Nicholas, who was stalked and killed by an ex-boyfriend in 1983.”
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About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that has developed 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. 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].
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin can be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook.