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The office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation this week recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 24 – 30, 2022. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Proclaims April 24 – 30, 2022, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Sheriffs from 24 counties joined the growing list of law enforcement leaders endorsing Marsy’s Law for Florida/Constitution Revision Commission Proposal 96, which would place equal rights and protections for victims in the state constitution. Endorsing Marsy’s Law for Florida today:
Marsy’s Law for Florida was previously endorsed by the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association.
In a letter to Marsy’s Law for Florida/Proposal 96 sponsor Constitution Revision Commissioner Tim Cerio, Walton County Sheriff and Florida Sheriffs Association President Mike Adkinson said, “Florida has always been a state with strong safeguards in place for crime victims. Previous state legislatures made certain that crime victims were both protected and properly compensated. Proposal 96 will further strengthen these efforts by guaranteeing crime victims have a meaningful role in the criminal justice system. Victims of crime must be treated with fairness and Proposal 96 respects victims by providing them with access to information on every step of the judicial process.”
The measure has also received the support of Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Andrew Warren (13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County) State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County) State Attorney R.J. Larizza (7th Judicial Circuit, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties), State Attorney Brad King (5th Judicial Circuit, Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties), State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County), former State Attorneys Rod Smith of Gainesville and Willie Meggs of Tallahassee, and State Senator Lauren Book.
The sheriffs’ endorsements come in the midst of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8 – 14, a time to promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
The full Constitution Revision Commission has already voted favorably on Marsy’s Law for Florida and will vote again one final time to determine if the measure should be placed on the November ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. To be placed in the Florida Constitution, the amendment must pass with at least 60 percent of the vote.
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.
WHAT: Serving as a kick-off to the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Marsy’s Law for Florida will honor victims who have lost their lives to violent crime by joining the Justice Coalition at the annual “Tossing of the Roses” event, where surviving families and friends will toss yellow roses into the St. Johns River in memory of their loved ones.
WHO: Members of the Justice Coalition, a nonprofit organization serving crime victims on Florida’s First Coast; Marsy’s Law for Florida advocates; families of violent crime victims and other supporters.
WHEN: Monday, April 9
6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Jacksonville Landing
2 Independent Drive
Jacksonville, Fla. 32202
WHAT: In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Lake Eola will honor Florida crime victims and the Marsy’s Law for Florida effort by lighting the park’s signature fountains in purple for one night on Monday, April 9, at 5:59 p.m. The color represents Floridians who have been victimized by violent crime, recognizing their bravery and reminding them they are not alone. Championed by victims, families, advocates and elected officials, Marsy’s Law for Florida is a proposed constitutional amendment (CRC Proposal 96) to provide crime victims and their families with clear, enforceable rights in our state constitution.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of victims’ rights for one week during April. This year, NCVRW’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” – emphasizing the importance of ensuring all crime victims, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, have access to services and support. By celebrating NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida hopes to educate Floridians about the gap that currently exists in our justice system, which ultimately leaves crime victims feeling voiceless and alone.
WHEN: Monday, April 9
5:59 p.m. through 11:59 p.m.
WHERE: Lake Eola
512 East Washington Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
Florida’s iconic old capitol building will be set aglow in purple lighting every night this week by Marsy’s Law for Florida in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8 through 14. The purple lights are a reminder that victims should be entitled to equal rights and protections under the law.
Floridians who have been victimized by a crime do not have rights that are equal to those already afforded the accused and convicted. Marsy’s Law for Florida has been advocating for change by placing a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights in the Florida Constitution through a proposed constitutional amendment. Proposal 96, currently under consideration by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), would enumerate clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in our state’s most powerful legal document.
“We’re shining a bright light on this issue because far too often victims are forgotten. Through no fault of their own, victims and their families are thrust into the criminal justice system. Once there, victims are often left without a voice, made to feel invisible, or worse, retraumatized by the process itself,” said Commissioner Tim Cerio, CRC member and sponsor of Proposal 96. “We’re lighting the old capitol purple this week to send a message: Florida victims should be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of victims’ rights for one week during April. This year, NCVRW’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” – emphasizing the importance of ensuring all crime victims, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, have access to services and support. By celebrating NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida hopes to educate Floridians about the gap that currently exists in our justice system, which ultimately leaves crime victims feeling voiceless and alone.
If passed by the CRC, and ultimately voters, Marsy’s Law for Florida would provide victims with basic, commonsense rights and protections, such as:
Marsy’s Law for Florida has garnered broad, bipartisan support from leaders across the state, including Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Andrew Warren (13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County) State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County) State Attorney R.J. Larizza (7th Judicial Circuit, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties) State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County), State Senator Lauren Book, Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association.
The measure is co-sponsored by CRC members: Patricia Levesque, Darlene Jordan, Fred Karlinsky, State Representative Jeanette Nuñez, Brecht Heuchan, Belinda Keiser, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and State Senator Darryl Rouson.
Last month, the full CRC voted in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. The measure will go before the full CRC again for a second vote and must receive a minimum of 22 votes in order to be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. The proposal must be approved by 60 percent of voters to be placed in the Florida Constitution.
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.
WHO: Marsy’s Law for Florida, an effort to place clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in Florida’s constitution
WHAT: In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8 through 14, Marsy’s Law for Florida will light Florida’s old capitol in purple lights all week as a reminder that victims should be entitled to equal rights and protections under the law.
WHEN: Sunday, April 8 through Saturday, April 14
sunset to sunrise each evening
WHERE: Florida Old Capitol
400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott today awarded first responders and victim advocates for exceptional efforts in protecting and counseling victims. Attorney General Bondi presented the awards at an annual ceremony commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week at the state Capitol. This year’s theme, Strength, Resilience, and Justice, highlights the importance of forging healthy, sustainable communities to build capacity both before and in the aftermath of crime.
“I am thankful for all who dedicate their lives to serving victims of crime, including those who rushed to the scene of tragedy following the Pulse nightclub attack—we honored some of those individuals today for their work helping victims and their families in the aftermath of the attack,” said Attorney General Bondi. “All our award recipients are exceptional and play a vital role in helping victims heal and I am eternally grateful for their service.”
The award recipients honored today are the following:
The Florida Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights states, “Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present, and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.”
To watch the full ceremony on The Florida Channel, click here.
For more information on crime victim services offered by the Florida Attorney General’s Office, click here.
For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, click here.
Tomorrow, April 5, Governor Rick Scott will attend the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Commemoration with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
WHAT: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Commemoration
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: The Capitol, Cabinet Meeting Room
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
