Today we're continuing to highlight some of the organizations across the state that support Iowa crime victims and help them find their justice. Today, we're highlighting Whispers of Love, Hope, and Joy based in Sioux Center. 

Across the country, organizations, elected officials, and Americans will be calling attention to the struggles that crime victims face in this country. The theme of this year’s NCVRW is “rights, access, equity, for all victims.” According to the Office for Victims of Crime, this theme “underscores the importance of helping crime survivors find their justice by enforcing rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all.”

Unfortunately, the Iowa Legislature did not keep our constitutional amendment for victims' rights alive past the legislative funnel. Our issue is no longer eligible to be considered this year. 

We have been battling for Iowa crime victims for many years. Thanks to you, and our steadfast coalition, we have made tremendous progress over the years. Our time for starting the process to amend our constitution is quickly slipping away. If we do not pass a bill out of a legislative committee by Feb. 18, our issue is dead for the year. Here's how you can help...  

While legislators discuss moving forward with a constitutional amendment in Iowa, there have been some special interest groups who have tossed around scary "what ifs" that could happen. The truth though, is that 36 other states across the country have victims' rights amendments and defendants still have due process, victims are not being given party status, it's not costing taxpayers more money. Quite the opposite - it's working. Victims are being heard. They are being protected. And if their rights are violated, they can actually do something about it. 

As the 2022 legislative session gets underway at the state capitol, a crime victims' rights amendment is already on the move. This year, the Marsy's Law for Iowa team worked with lawmakers and stakeholders to craft House Study Bill 525 - which would provide rights for crime victims in Iowa's state constitution. 

Rep. Jon Jacobsen from Council Bluffs, recently penned the following opinion piece in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Rep. Jacobsen has been a longtime supporter of our efforts and we're thankful for leaders in the Iowa Legislature like him. 

Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright has been a tremendous supporter of Marsy's Law for Iowa. In honor of this National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Sheriff Arganbright wrote the following opinion piece. Thank you for all you do for the people of Iowa and Guthrie County, Sheriff. 

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (April 9, 2019) —On Tuesday, the Henry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on a resolution supporting Marsy’s Law for Iowa, an effort to strengthen victims’ rights in Iowa’s Constitution.

GUTHRIE CENTER, Iowa (April 9, 2019) —On Tuesday, the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on a resolution supporting Marsy’s Law for Iowa, an effort to strengthen victims’ rights in Iowa’s Constitution.