Marsy’s Law For Kentucky Welcomes New State Director Ashlea Christiansen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rachel Albritton
(502) 905-5170
MARSY’S LAW FOR KENTUCKY WELCOMES NEW STATE DIRECTOR ASHLEA CHRISTIANSEN
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 8, 2016) – Marsy’s Law for Kentucky, the advocate-driven effort to incorporate a victims’ bill of rights in the state constitution, announced today the onboarding of its new state director, Ashlea Christiansen.
Christiansen is well-versed in both policy and victims’ rights initiatives, having served as a family advocate for her local domestic violence and rape crisis center and a victim’s advocate for a rural Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
Additionally, she has worked as a children’s sexual abuse therapist through her local community mental health center and acted as guardian ad litem for abused and neglected children. Christiansen also brings a comprehensive understanding of criminal defense law from her time as a law clerk and attorney at a private law firm.
“Victims advocacy has been a lifelong professional and personal passion of mine. I have been witness to the incredible sorrow crime victims experience and the resilience and strength it takes to navigate a system that often re-victimizes them due to the scales of justice being tipped in favor of protecting the rights of the accused,” said Christiansen. “I am proud to be a voice for Marsy’s Law and look forward to seeing this important effort succeed and establish equal rights for crime victims in Kentucky.”
Prior to joining Marsy’s Law, Christiansen was director of government relations for Passport Health Plan, a community-based, provider-sponsored health plan, where she worked with lawmakers and government officials to provide health care coverage for some of Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Ashlea’s experience as an attorney working with domestic and sexual abuse victims, coupled with her thorough knowledge of the Kentucky legislature, makes her a strong addition to the Marsy’s Law team,” said Ryan Erwin, senior consultant for Marsy’s Law for All. We’re excited to have her onboard to help carry this important initiative over the finish line in Kentucky.”
Christiansen says that passing Marsy’s Law is simply the right thing to do.
“We must protect crime victims with the same level of vigor and ferocity as we do the accused,” Christiansen said. “I am already working hard alongside our lawmakers, advocates, government officials, law enforcement officers, educators and the business community to ensure that this constitutional amendment is passed and crime victims in Kentucky are given the rights they deserve.”
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 18 states that does not provide crime victims with constitutional-level protections. To learn more, please visit www.marsyslaw.us.
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Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas. Marsy was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983.
Dr. Nicholas has made it his mission to give victims and their families across the country constitutional protections.