National Crime Victims' Rights Week is Underway

April 19, 2021
Every year, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Victims of Crime celebrates National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), a celebration and commemoration of the rights secured for victims of crime across the country. This year is the 40th anniversary of the annual week.

Marsy's Law for South Dakota is commemorating this observance by highlighting the voices of victims, advocates, and more over the course of the week. If you are interested in covering NCVRW, scheduling interviews with supporters and advocates about the impact of crime victims’ rights, or would like to learn more about Marsy’s Law for South Dakota’s plans for the week, please contact Justin Giorgio.

 

In addition to the many voices that Marsy's Law will be highlighting, the Arc of Dreams on Sioux Falls' SculptureWalk will be lit purple to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week from tonight, Monday April 19th, through Friday April 23 from sundown to midnight. For media interested in an interview about the impact of crime victims' rights, please contact Justin Giorgio to arrange an interview.

 

  • National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (40th annual commemoration)
  • Now - Saturday, April 24
  • Coordinated by Marsy’s Law for South Dakota
  • Contact Justin Giorgio ([email protected]) for more information about commemoration plans for South Dakota

 

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About Marsy’s Law for South Dakota: 

 

Marsy's Law for South Dakota led the campaign in 2016 to pass Amendment S adding a Crime Victims' Bill of Rights to the South Dakota Constitution. The amendment passed overwhelmingly with a margin of 60% - 40%, giving crime victims in South Dakota meaningful and enforceable constitutional rights equal to the rights of the accused. 

 

Marsy’s Law for South Dakota is a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights that is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Ann Nicholas, a beautiful, vibrant college student who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only a week after Marsy was murdered, her mother Marcella and her brother Henry walked into a grocery store after visiting Marsy’s grave and were confronted by the accused murderer. They had no idea that he had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Henry 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.