FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 29, 2018

Media Contact: Todd Dvorak, Strategies 360

(208) 340-6265, [email protected]

Leading Victim’s Group Backs Initiative Calling for Stronger Victims’ Rights in Idaho

BOISE – An organization committed to working every day on behalf of crime victims has endorsed Marsy’s Law for Idaho and its goal of winning equal rights for crime victims. 

The Idaho Victim Witness Association announced its backing on Monday, calling Marsy’s Law for Idaho essential to providing crime victims more protections and a stronger voice in the legal system.

“As victim witness coordinators, we work with crime victims every step of the way, from helping them deal with the personal and emotional trauma to guiding them through the complexities of the justice system,” said Susan Nalley, president of the Idaho Victim Witness Association and the victim witness coordinator with the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfoot Police Department.

“While we are working hard to do the best we can to help crime victims with the tools provided, there is more we can do to improve the system for crime victims,” Nalley said. 

The IVWA is the latest group with law enforcement ties to publicly support Marsy’s Law for Idaho. Other endorsements include the Idaho Sheriff’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho. 

“Victim-witness coordinators in all corners of the state work closely with crime victims at every stage of the process, from crime scene to trial through sentencing and parole hearings,” said Aleshea Boals, an IVWA member and Victim Witness Coordinator with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office.

“Victims deserve protections, the chance to have their voice heard and rights at every stage of the process,” Boles said. “It’s time for all of us to show we stand behind crime victims.” 

As a proposed constitutional amendment, once approved by the Legislature, Marsy’s Law would then be placed on the ballot for the General Election in November 2018.

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