Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin: Earns support from victim advocates

MADISON – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin today announced new endorsements from several prominent victim advocacy organizations from communities across Wisconsin, demonstrating continued momentum in the effort’s bipartisan statewide coalition. In addition to the growing list of key endorsements from victim service groups, elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and statewide associations, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin has garnered significant public support across the state, with thousands signing the petition backing of the effort. These new endorsements mark significant growth to an already impressive list of support from Wisconsin’s victim advocacy community for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin.

“Marsy’s law provides victims with the opportunity to use their voice and find strength on a path of healing,” said Barb Fischer, Executive Director of Advocates of Ozaukee, a domestic and sexual violence prevention organization among the new members of Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin’s growing grassroots coalition. “It allows victims to become informed and involved in the ultimate outcome, allowing them to feel more empowered.”

Also among the new endorsing organizations is Women and Children’s Horizons, a Kenosha-based advocacy organization for victims of domestic and sexual violence. “As advocates, we must protect the rights of survivors. Marsy’s Law empowers crime victims and Women and Children’s Horizons is proud to support its efforts.” Said Diana Newton, the organization’s Executive Director.

These organizations join a number of other prominent groups statewide which have recently endorsed Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin’s bipartisan effort. Among the other recent prominent endorsements are UNIDOS of Wisconsin and the Rape Crisis Center of Dane County, two of the foremost advocacy organizations in the Madison area. Other groups that have previously endorsed include Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Sojourner Family Peace Center, and Golden House of Green Bay.

“I’m thrilled to see a large number of victim advocacy organizations joining the fight to strengthen victims’ rights,” said Luke Martz, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin State Director. “These incredible organizations are on the front lines every day—working with crime victims and helping to turn them into survivors. We couldn’t be prouder to have their support.”

Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, introduced as Assembly Joint Resolution 47/Senate Joint Resolution 53, is authored by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville). With broad support from lawmakers of both parties, the legislation passed through the State Senate and Assembly in 2017, and will now move forward to second consideration in the next legislative session.