Amid COVID-19, Marsy’s Law for South Dakota to Recognize Champions of Victims’ Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
CONTACT:
Nick Klitzing, K2 & Co.
618-322-1514, [email protected]
Justin Giorgio, K2 & Co.
610-506-3927, [email protected]
The COVID-19 Crisis has created unprecedented challenges for Victim’s Rights advocates, and Marsy’s Law is distributing Challenge Coins to recognize them
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, advocates for victim’s rights have faced challenges like never before. From prison releases due to the threat of widespread infection to overcoming the challenges of social distancing, victims’ rights have faced an uphill battle over the last several months.
To recognize the incredible commitment and overwhelming support crime victims’ advocates have displayed, Marsy’s Law for South Dakota is proud to recognize those individuals with Challenge Coins as a token of their commitment to justice. Challenge Coins are awarded when individuals overcome tremendous obstacles and are a keepsake representing outstanding achievements.
Marsy’s Law for South Dakota is now accepting nominations for those leaders who have displayed a commitment to victims throughout this crisis and have continued to advocate for crime victims. We encourage victims, advocates, and members of the public to nominate any community leader who has displayed extraordinary commitment to providing services and support to crime victims - from victim advocate and not-for-profit leader to prosecutor and frontline law enforcement officer.
You can nominate those champions HERE. Marsy’s Law for South Dakota will choose the recipients of the Challenge Coins from the individuals nominated and will honor the winners with a Challenge Coin as a small token of our appreciation for their hard work and commitment.
“Challenge Coins represent our proudest moments; the times when we overcame a challenge despite all odds,” said Nick Klitzing, Marsy’s Law for South Dakota. “The COVID-19 crisis has challenged us all in different ways, but we are committed to ensuring every crime victim has the voice and the knowledge to persevere. Those champions who never give up the fight deserve to be celebrated, and we’re proud to recognize them.”
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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.
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