Brown County Courthouse and Green Bay Bridges to Go Purple for Crime Victims

MADISON – There will be more purple in the Greater Green Bay area this week, but, don’t worry, it has nothing to do with the Minnesota Vikings! Both Brown County and the City of Green Bay are using purple lights on local landmarks in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). The city will be sporting purple lights across its downtown bridges on Monday and Tuesday nights while the county will light the exterior of the Brown County Courthouse purple the entire week. The lighting is part of Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin’s Go Purple campaign.

NCVRW is an annual observance led by the U.S. Office of Justice Programs. The 2019 theme –Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.– celebrates the progress made by those before us as we look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed. Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is organizing a statewide recognition of NCVRW as part of its broader efforts to update the State Constitution to strengthen the rights of crime victims.

“The City of Green Bay is proud to take part in this important annual recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights,” said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. “Crime can happen to anyone, and this observance helps to raise awareness of the need for equal rights for those who have been impacted by crime in communities across Wisconsin.”

“Crime victims are too often the forgotten part of the process,” said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “We hope everyone who sees the purple lights on the Courthouse this week will take time to remember that there are hundreds of people who get dragged into the criminal justice system through no fault of their own.”

Joining in the observation of NCVRW is Green Bay-based Golden House, a comprehensive domestic violence program serving victims in Brown County. Golden House will be participating in a Department of Corrections panel presentation for National Crime Victims Rights Week on April 10, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the downtown state office building. “Golden House supports Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin in their tireless work to strengthen the rights of crime victims. Victims should be empowered to have their voices heard and ensure their safety,” said Golden House Executive Director, Karen Michaels, one of the prominent victim advocates who has joined the extensive grassroots coalition in support of Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin.

About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin

Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that has developed a unique proposal to give victims of crime equal rights in our state, building on Wisconsin’s laws and history of leading on this issue. 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 has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.

Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected]