Marsy’s Law Urges Nevada to Go Purple in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 02, 2020

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Marsy’s Law is urging Nevadans to Go Purple in support of domestic violence victims everywhere.

“The pandemic has dramatically worsened the plight of domestic violence victims and they need our support now more than ever,” said Lynda Tache, State Director, Marsy’s Law for Nevada. Marsy’s Law for Nevada was approved by voters in 2018 and created Constitutional protections for victims through the judicial process.

Nevadans and businesses can support domestic violence survivors and efforts statewide to reduce crime.  Wear purple or turn exterior lights purple in October and post photos on social media using hashtags #DVAM2020, #VictimsRightsNV, and #GoPurpleNV. (Scroll down to the GO PURPLE list.)

Nevada was already known for having one of the highest rates in the U.S. for adults and children victimized by domestic violence. The Nevada Coalition to END Domestic and Sexual Violence gathers statistics from multiple shelters/agencies across Nevada. The averages for January-June 2020 for certain services rose sharply when compared to 2019:

  • NCEDSV reports Nevada domestic violence shelters combined numbers show a 42% increase in the number of adult/children “bed-nights” provided (placement in a shelter or safe-haven away from home).
  • The total number of Hotline/Crisis intervention calls from January through June 2020 also increased by 42% over 2019 reports.
  • Raw numbers for January-June 2020 are 52,751 total “bed-nights” provided, and 13,562 Hotline Calls to agencies reporting to NCEDSV.
  • While the calls for help increase the donations and funds for critical programs are dropping as COVID-19 impacts our economy/jobs.     

These Confirmed Locations will GO PURPLE in October:

Las Vegas City Hall, West Wall: Oct. 1, 3, 5-9

City of Henderson - Website Front Page: October

Downtown Summerlin/ONE Summerlin:  October 2

MEET Las Vegas Event Location: Oct. 5-9

RENO Grand Sierra Resort - N/S/E Tower Diamonds: Oct. 9-22

…More locations to come!

Marsy’s Law for Nevada Guarantees Crime Victims:

  • The Right to receive information about their rights, and the services available to crime victims.
  • Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process.
  • Right to be notified of a defendant’s impending release, and be protected from the defendant.
  • Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case.
  • Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case.
  • Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case.
  • Right to full and timely restitution.

History of Marsy’s Law

   The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983.  A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail.  Today her family is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Individual Marsy’s Law measures have now been approved in: California, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada.  Nearly 140-million people, or 40-percent of all Americans, now receive protected rights under Marsy’s Law.