Madison, WI – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, in partnership with Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf, is raising awareness about the rights available to crime victims in Wisconsin through a compelling display of silhouettes at the Douglas County Courthouse. The display is available to view from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Attendees will encounter an interactive showcase of red-painted silhouettes symbolizing individuals affected by crime. Each silhouette will feature one of the rights granted by Wisconsin’s Crime Victims’ Rights constitutional amendment, also known as Marsy’s Law. Additionally, the silhouettes will be equipped with QR codes linking individuals to the websites for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, local victim service provider the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA), and the Wisconsin Office of Crime Victims’ Services for further information.
Nela Kalpic, State Director of Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, stated, “The silhouette exhibit sheds light on the experiences of crime victims and survivors – often our neighbors, coworkers, or acquaintances. Through this display, we hope to raise awareness about the rights protected under Marsy’s Law and the support services offered by the District Attorney’s office and providers like the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.”
“As the Douglas County District Attorney, my team and I are committed to ensuring crime victims receive the dignity they deserve, which our state constitution requires,” said Mark Fruehauf, the district attorney of Douglas County. “The silhouette display aims to educate the public about their rights under Marsy’s Law and the victim services our office and community can provide to people facing a difficult time.”
The silhouettes will be placed inside the Douglas County Courthouse. Each silhouette will display a specific right from Marsy’s Law, written in language easily understood by victims who may not have prior engagement with the criminal justice system. 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 event begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 inside the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1313 Belknap St, Superior. The silhouettes will remain in the Courthouse until that afternoon at 4 p.m..
Media Note: Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf and Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin State Director Nela Kalpic will be available for interviews on September 17. For media who wish to schedule an interview with one of the participants or receive additional information please contact mk@platform-communications.com.
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.
