In recognition of the 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 18 – 24, Marsy’s Law for Florida is lighting Florida landmarks purple and launching special social media campaigns to create awareness of crime victims’ rights.
Every evening from Sunday, April 18, through Saturday, April 24, the Historic Capitol in Tallahassee will be bathed in purple lights. To mark the culmination of NCVRW, the Freedom Tower in Miami will shine bright in purple the night of Saturday, April 24.
During NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida will also feature through its social media platforms video interviews with criminal justice system stakeholders, including a judge, police public information officer, state attorneys and a victim advocate who each discuss the ways Marsy’s Law for Florida has been implemented and how it is helping victims of crime.
Additionally, Marsy’s Law for Florida is providing its Facebook followers with a special profile photo filter that will enable them to join in showing their support for crime victims’ rights.
“For Floridians who find themselves in the unfortunate circumstance to be a victim of crime, it is imperative that they know they have rights and protections afforded to them under the state constitution. Passed by voters in 2018, Marsy’s Law for Florida gives crime victims the right to have a voice in the process, the right to be present, the right to be informed and the right to keep confidential personally identifiable information that could be used to locate or harass them or their families,” said Jennifer Fennell, Marsy’s Law for Florida spokesperson. “These important rights and protections not only help prevent a victim from be revictimized, they also empower victims and enable them to regain control of their situations.”
Every April, NCVRW is observed in support of crime victims, while revisiting victims’ rights history, advocating for advancements and celebrating those in our justice system who work in support of these efforts. Marsy’s Law for Florida joins with organizations across the country in observing NCVRW by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
About Marsy’s Law
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, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
