Letter: Marsy’s Law expanded victims’ rights

As part of our ongoing effort to elevate voices calling for equal rights for crime victims, we’re pleased to share this letter to the editor from Debbie Winton, originally published by the Fitchburg Star. 

Dear Editor, 

As a survivor of sexual assault, I know firsthand how navigating the criminal justice system while trying to heal can feel overwhelming. That’s why I am grateful Wisconsin’s crime victims’ right constitution amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, provides important rights including that victims are informed and treated with dignity throughout the process.

Before Marsy’s Law, Wisconsin crime victims already had important rights and legal protections. However, those rights were not as comprehensive or clearly defined as they are today.

Marsy’s Law strengthened and expanded victims’ rights to receive timely notice, participate in court proceedings, and have their privacy, dignity, and safety respected throughout the criminal justice process. These changes help ensure victims are informed about their cases, have meaningful opportunities to participate in the process, and are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve.

Since its passage, Marsy’s Law has given victims a stronger and more meaningful role throughout the justice process.

Ensuring victims are informed, heard, and treated with respect isn’t about changing the pursuit of justice, but about strengthening it. Marsy’s Law is an important step toward a criminal justice system that better serves victims while upholding the principles of fairness that we all value.

Debbie Winton

Fitchburg