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Katherine Kington North

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Elizabethtown Domestic Violence Program Endorses Marsy’s Law

SpringHaven Inc. serves Meade, Breckenridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Nelson, Washington and Marion Counties

Elizabethtown, Ky. (September 11, 2017) – Marsy’s Law is honored to announce the endorsement of a prominent domestic violence program and shelter, SpringHaven Inc. in Elizabethtown. The program offers education, children’s programming, victim advocacy and housing for domestic violence victims. SpringHaven, Inc. joins several other prominent endorsers across the Commonwealth in its support for the crime victims’ rights campaign.

“I don’t know why anyone would not support Marsy’s Law. It is simply the right thing to do for victims of crime,” SpringHaven Inc. Executive Director Tanya Thomas said. “We’re proud to join the list of supporters who are promoting more protection and respect for victims.”

Kentucky is one of only 15 states without constitutional-level rights for victims of crime. If adopted by Kentucky voters in November 2018, Marsy’s Law would amend Kentucky’s constitution to ensure crime victims have the right to a voice in the judicial process, the right to be present in judicial hearings and the right to be made aware of upcoming hearings or changes in their offenders’ status.

“I am thrilled to have the support of one of Kentucky’s leading domestic violence programs,” Marsy’s Law State Director Ashlea Christiansen said. “These are the people who are working with crime victims and survivors day in and day out. They witness firsthand the great need we have for stronger victims’ rights in Kentucky.”

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky has the bipartisan support of elected officials, judges, law enforcement officials and advocacy groups. Kentucky voters also strongly favor Marsy’s Law, with recent surveys showing Marsy’s law has 80% support statewide. Marsy’s Law is expected to be a priority bill for both chambers in the 2018 General Assembly. The organization is continuing to add advocates and supporters all the time.

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About Marsy’s Law for Kentucky

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky is an advocate-driven effort to incorporate a victims’ bill of rights in the state constitution. Kentucky is one of only 15 states that do not provide crime victims with constitutional-level protections. To learn more or if you would like to sign the petition and add your “purple pin” to the map, you can do so here. Those wishing to join the coalition can do so here. Please visit www.marsyslaw.us, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.