Letter | Marsy's Law gives crime victims a right to dignity

Marsy’s Law is helping ensure crime victims have constitutional rights in Wisconsin, but the conversation about victims’ rights doesn’t end when legislation passes. As part of our commitment to educating the public and elevating voices that support victims, we’re pleased to share this op-ed from Chantel Soumis, originally published by The Cap Times.

Dear Editor: When someone experiences a crime, the legal system instantly pulls you into a process that can drag on for months or even years. As a victim, I can honestly say it wasn't originally built with a survivor's healing in mind.

For years, I lived in a constant state of paranoia. I was terrified to even leave my own house to head to work or get groceries, always gripped by the fear of exposure. Navigating the legal world shouldn't feel like another battle.

This is why Marsy’s Law, Wisconsin’s constitutional amendment on crime victims’ rights, is so incredibly close to my heart.

Marsy’s Law ensures more than a dozen fundamental rights for crime victims, including the right to be notified, to be heard and to be treated with true dignity every single step of the way. This isn’t courtesy — it’s a right.

In everyday life, what this means is victims are kept in the loop. They know exactly what is happening with their case, and they finally have a seat at the table to speak their truth. When so much has been stolen from you, Marsy’s Law does more than make you feel seen — it supports the long, hard journey of healing.