WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is partnering with the Wood County District Attorney’s Office and Wisconsin Rapids Family Center to raise awareness about the rights and resources available to crime victims through a powerful silhouette display at the Wood County Courthouse.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, eight red silhouettes will be displayed inside the courthouse, representing the unseen survivors who walk among us and have been impacted by crime. Each silhouette highlights a key right guaranteed to victims under Wisconsin’s constitutional crime victims’ rights amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, including: the rights to privacy, to notice, to confer with the prosecution, to be present, to be heard, to restitution, to know their rights, and to have these rights enforced.
Painted bright red to ensure visibility, each silhouette will include a QR code that links directly to resources at the county and state levels including Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, Wisconsin Rapids Family Center, and statewide victim resources. The display is designed to educate those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system while reminding the community of the real people behind the policies meant to protect them.
“Victims often feel lost and powerless. It is imperative that society not only insist on victims having rights in these situations but also that victims are informed about these rights and how to enforce them. The silhouettes serve as a reminder that victims are our neighbors and our family. They need to come into shape in our conscious mind because we might otherwise overlook the hurting souls in need in our communities,” said District Attorney Jonathan Barnett.
“This event highlights the critical protections inside Marsy’s Law, such as the right to privacy, to be present and to be heard,” said Wisconsin Rapids Family Center Executive Director Tricia Fancher, which provides shelter and services for victims of domestic abuse. “Making sure our community is aware of these protections is crucial to protecting future victims’, who interact with the justice system at no fault of their own.”
“We are grateful to the Wood County District Attorney’s Office and the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center for partnering with us to build greater understanding of Marsy’s Law and the resources available to victims in our community,” said Nela Kalpic, State Director for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin.
The eight silhouettes will be publicly placed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.
Media Note: For media who wish to schedule an interview with a representative from Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin or receive additional information, please contact Alec Zimmerman at az@platform-communications.com.
