Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, New Horizons, and Trempealeau County District Attorney’s Office to Build Awareness of Crime Victims’ Rights

Trempealeau County Courthouse will feature a silhouette display highlighting rights under Wisconsin’s crime victims’ rights constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law

WHITEHALL, Wis. - Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is partnering with New Horizons and the Trempealeau County District Attorney’s Office to raise awareness about the rights and resources available to crime victims through a powerful silhouette display at the Trempealeau County Courthouse.

On Monday, May 18, 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.

The silhouettes, painted bright red for visibility, feature a QR code that links directly to resources at the county and state levels, including websites for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, New Horizons, and the state Office of Crime Victims’ Services. The design is intended to educate those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system and recognize the hidden fight that many members of the community experience daily, through no fault of their own.

“Too many victims navigate their pain from victimization in silence, unaware they have rights and how to use them,” said District Attorney John Sacia. “The rights provided to us only work if victims know their rights exist and have the means to act on them. The silhouettes among us are not strangers – they are our neighbors, family, and friends, who might find themselves interacting with the criminal justice system, bearing no responsibility for the crime. Crime victims’ deserve to be seen and heard.”

“Rights provided by Marsy’s Law, such as the right to privacy, to be present, and to be heard are crucial safeguards. They not only protect current victims who are interacting with the justice system at no fault of their own, but future victims’,” said New Horizons Director of Programming Heidi Svee, which provides support for victims of domestic abuse. “We hope the display will help educate folks in our area on their rights and the services available to them if they are or become a victim of crime.”

“We are excited to bring the silhouette display to Whitehall and for the support and partnership of District Attorney Sacia and New Horizons,” said Nela Kalpic, State Director for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin. “They do an amazing job working on the front lines of helping crime victims in Trempealeau County navigate the criminal justice system. We hope this display will help everyone in the area better understand they do have rights and they are not alone when dealing with the aftermath of crime.”

The eight silhouettes will be publicly placed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at the Trempealeau County Courthouse (18600 Hobson St, Whitehall, WI 54773).

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 Madelyn Hughes at mh@platform-communications.com.