[Dodgeville, WI] – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, in collaboration with Family Advocates, Inc and the Iowa County District Attorney’s Office, are raising awareness about the rights available to victims of crime through a display of silhouettes TODAY, Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Iowa County Courthouse.
Attendees will experience an interactive display of red-painted silhouettes that represent someone impacted by crime. Each silhouette will have one of the rights provided by Wisconsin’s Crime Victims’ Rights constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law written on it. The silhouettes will also have QR codes on them that will connect people to the websites for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, Family Advocates and the Wisconsin Office of Crime Victims’ Services for additional information.
“The silhouette imagery is a powerful reminder that victims and survivors of crime often go unnoticed even though they could be our neighbors, co-workers and friends. This exhibit aims to bring victims’ rights and services out in the open for all to see.” said Nela Kalpic, the State Director for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin.
“Our office works every day to ensure that victims of crime in our community are treated with the dignity and respect they not only deserve, but are guaranteed under our state constitution,” said Iowa County District Attorney Zachery Leigh.
“As the author of Marsy’s Law in the State Assembly, I couldn’t be more proud of the profound impact it has had on individuals who find themselves thrust into the criminal justice system through no fault of their own,” said Wis. State Rep. and Dodgeville Mayor Todd Novak. “But no one can access rights they aren’t aware of, which is why I am so glad the Marsy’s Law silhouette display is happening here in Dodgeville.”
Marsy’s Law rights highlighted on the silhouettes include: right to privacy, right to notice, right to confer, right to be present, right to be heard, right to know your rights, right to restitution, and right to enforce your rights.
The display will run from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., TODAY, Thursday, Sept. 21 inside the Iowa County Courthouse (222 N. Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI 53533).
Media Note: For media who wish to schedule an interview with one of the participants or receive additional information please contact Melinda Koski at mk@platform-communications.com.
Local stakeholders available for interviews are: Zachary Leigh (Dodge County District Attorney), Paula Schoenberg, Outreach Services Director, (Family Advocates, Inc), and Michael Peterson (Iowa County Sheriff).
