[BALSAM LAKE, WI] – Vibrant red silhouettes were on display on Friday, September 30 at the Polk County Courthouse to raise awareness of crime victims’ rights. Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, the Polk County District Attorney’s Office and the Community Referral Agency collaborated on the effort. The silhouettes’ powerful imagery is meant to remind our community that victims and survivors of crime walk among us relatively unseen.
Each red silhouette highlighted a right included under Wisconsin’s crime victims’ rights constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law and explained Marsy’s Law rights in an easily understandable way, which is imperative in helping victims who may not have prior experience with the criminal justice system or knowledge of legal jargon.
“Demonstrations like this are important to bring our community together and recognize that victims and survivors of crime often walk among us relatively unseen. It’s also crucial to spread awareness of the strong constitutional rights included in Marsy’s Law that victims in Wisconsin have access to,” said Jeffrey Kemp, The Polk County District Attorney.
“Making information and resources available to crime victims is an instrumental part of making survivors’ lives more manageable after they have been victimized by their abusers. Navigating the criminal justice system shouldn’t be a process that causes further trauma or stress, which is why the rights included in Marsy’s Law are valuable and necessary,” said Referral Agency Program Coordinator, Brianna Dagastino.
The silhouettes featured interactive hashtags and QR codes linked to the Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin and the Community Referral Agency websites for viewers to find additional information and resources. The display proved to be a success as residents and community leaders mingled to learn and discuss this influential constitutional amendment that can provide support and reassurance to crime victims.
“The powerful imagery of the display allowed us to attract people’s attention and educate the community about Marsy’s Law rights and resources. Our mission is to support survivors and ensure they know they are not alone throughout what can seem like a daunting and terrifying criminal justice process, which is why we were so grateful to partner with the Polk County District Attorney’s Office and The Community Referral Agency to display these silhouettes,” said Nela Kalpic, Director of Outreach for Marsy’s Law in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin residents can expect to see the silhouette art feature travel to different counties and communities throughout the state in a continued effort to spread awareness and information about crime victim rights.
