Sexual assault charges are the most difficult crimes to prosecute in court. Experienced prosecutors know that such cases require a balancing of the facts of a case and the additional trauma that may result to the victims against the need for public accountability. A recent campaign ad that highlights a sexual assault case prosecuted in Milwaukee County disgracefully identifies the relationship of the offender to his victims, thereby re-victimizing the victims and family for political gain. The family has reached out to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office to express their sorrow and disdain for the fact that this tactic was employed with no consideration for its effects on victims. The Wisconsin Constitution recognizes that victims of crime shall be treated with fairness, dignity and respect for their privacy.
Matthew J. Torbenson
Deputy District Attorney
Milwaukee County
(Supervisor of the Sensitive Crimes Division)
