MADISON – Residents, organizations, businesses, and landmarks across Wisconsin are going purple this week as part of a statewide recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which is established annually by the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice. The purple light effort in the Badger State is being organized by Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin. Participants around the state are sporting purple lights on businesses, landmarks, and other structures to showcase support for victims’ rights as the state recognizes one year of Marsy’s Law in action.

The annual observation of NCVRW comes just after the one-year anniversary of last year’s decisive victory for victims’ rights in the spring election, when 75 percent of Wisconsin residents cast votes in favor of the crime victims’ constitutional amendment commonly known as Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin. The theme of this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is, “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.” This theme emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime.

“This year’s celebration of victims’ rights is particularly special here in Wisconsin, where we are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the passage of our crime victims’ constitutional amendment,” said Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Outreach Director Nela Kalpic. “One year after Marsy’s Law became a reality in the Badger State, we are so proud to see the positive impact the new amendment has already had on real Wisconsin crime victims. I’m so grateful to everyone who has joined us in this important observation of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as we recognize this crucial milestone.”

The following businesses and landmarks around Wisconsin have joined in recognizing NCVRW by participating in the Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Go Purple campaign:

  • Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee, April 18-24
  • Hoan Bridge, Milwaukee, April 18
  • Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, April 18-24
  • City Hall, Milwaukee, April 18-24
  • Sojourner Milwaukee, Milwaukee, April 18-24
  • Wells Street Skywalk, Milwaukee, April 18-24
  • Madison Municipal Building, Madison, April 18
  • Madison Public Library, Madison, April 18-24
  • Brown County Courthouse, Green Bay, April 19-23
  • Resch Expo Center, Green Bay, April 19-23
  • Main Street Bridge, Green Bay, April 20
  • Walnut Street Bridge, Green Bay, April 20
  • Mason Street Bridge, Green Bay, April 20
  • Bolton Refuge House, Eau Claire, April 18-24
  • Trempealeau County Courthouse, Whitehall, April 18-24

Over 1.1 million Wisconsin residents cast votes in favor of the crime victims’ constitutional amendment in last April’s spring election, approving Marsy’s Law with a vast margin of more than 700,000 votes. Earlier this month, supporters of the amendment held a virtual press conference highlighting examples of Marsy’s Law at work in Wisconsin in the first year of the amendment’s implementation.

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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.

 

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