South Dakota

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South Dakota Efforts Marsy's Law Passed

Efforts to bring Marsy’s Law to South Dakotans began in 2015, with 27,741 signatures needed for the constitutional amendment to qualify for placement on the November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The South Dakota team worked tirelessly to inform voters and gathered over 45,000 signatures – securing placement of Marsy’s Law on the ballot as Amendment S. On Election Day, voters overwhelmingly passed Marsy’s Law with 60% voting in favor.

We are extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of the many South Dakotans who supported Marsy’s Law and stronger victims’ rights in the state. Now, we turn our attention to other states in which victims still need the equal rights Marsy’s Law provides. We encourage you to get involved in these efforts to help victims across the country. Thank you for your support, which is life-changing for those who’ve endured being victimized by a crime. 

Status of Marsy's Law in South Dakota

Marsy’s Law was the first ballot question to be validated and certified by the Secretary of State and the first officially approved to appear on the November 2016 ballot. Since that time, South Dakotans across the state worked to inform voters as to why they should “Vote Yes On S.” Attending over 100 events and meetings over the course of the campaign, including the lighting of the Falls of the Big Sioux River purple for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the issue of crime victims’ rights was brought to the forefront in the Mount Rushmore State.

Amendment S received many endorsements, including Beadle County State’s Attorney Michael Moore and State Representative Lance Russell. As was the case in other states, many victims and advocates spoke out in favor of Marsy’s Law for South Dakota and polling was strong with up to 84% of South Dakotans in support.

Marsy’s Law was officially passed by voters on November 8, 2016, with 60% of South Dakotans voting in favor of the constitutional amendment.

Get Involved

Every day, across our country people suffer at the hands of criminals. Then they suffer again – as victims, thrust into the complex judicial system and to navigate an unfamiliar court process. Marsy’s Law proposes a Constitutional Amendment securing permanent, enforceable rights of victims, but we need your help to move forward.

Get involved today!

Victims' Stories

Reliving The Crime – Angela’s Story

Angela was married to a man from 1989 to 1992 who controlled her every move. The abuse began before [...]
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When A Victim Isn’t Considered A Victim – Jessica’s Story

Jessica grew up in a very small South Dakota town where she was sexually abused throughout her child [...]
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The Need For Notification – Andrea Royer’s Story

Four years ago, Andrea was raped. She reported the crime to the police and went to the hospital for [...]
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Violent Crime In Your State: Did You Know?

According To Recently Released Statistics By The Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI), South Dakota Experienced 3,289 Violent Crimes In 2015.

  • In 2015, There Were 32 Murders And Nonnegligent Manslaughters.
  • In 2015 There Were 495 Rapes.
  • In 2015 There Were 216 Robberies.
  • In 2015 There Were 2,546 Aggravated Assaults.

Source: 2015 Crime In The United States, State Totals, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Website, 9/26/16

Resources in South Dakota

South Dakota Division Of Criminal Investigation’s Crime Victim Services

South Dakota Department Of Corrections’ Victims Services

South Dakota Crime Victims Compensation Program

South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

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