Victims’ Voices

Kelvie Malia, 35 years old, is originally from Hawaii but currently resides in Nevada. She is a single mother of 3 beautiful gifts from God. Kelvie Malia is also a notary public for the State of Nevada and a real estate loan signer. She is a volunteer enthusiast and Global Goodwill Ambassador.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

No image to protect identity.

When she was 20 years old, Ishaunna Gully was shot in the back by her ex-boyfriend, leaving her paralyzed and terrified. Throughout the sentencing, Ishaunna received no explanation of her rights or the proceedings. She felt alone in the system and just wanted the whole process to end. Throughout the traumatic physical and mental recovery and legal battles, she became more and more determined that Mississippi can do better. She now runs “Take a Stand, No More,” a victims’ organization assisting victims of domestic violence. Now, she’s on a mission to convince Mississippi lawmakers and voters that in order to do better, Mississippi needs Marsy’s Law.

Nearly 15 years ago, my daughter, Angie Leon, was shot and killed by her estranged husband. Three weeks shy of her 22nd birthday, my daughter was taken from me and her three children. For the rest of our lives, we’ll be the victims of this senseless crime.

Through her work as a Victim Advocate with The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention in Hattiesburg and Laurel, Mississippi, Teressa Ellzey has seen firsthand how important having a voice is in the road to recovery. She supports victims through all phases of recovery, including hospital visits and navigating the court system. "I am a victim's advocate first and foremost," she says. "I am a voice not only for The Shafer Center, but for victims that can't or are not willing to speak out about sexual assault."

Funteller Hicks shares her story from Utica, Mississippi

Survivor and Marsy's Law for Wisconsin State Chair Teri Jendusa Nicolai: "I was divorced from an abusive husband who tried to murder me. Going through the justice system, I didn't really have much of a voice." 

Survivor Amy Ressel: “I went through the military trial system, but it was still a justice system and it didn’t go well for me… Had I gotten to do it again, I’d never had said anything.”

Marsy's Law for Wisconsin County Chair Cheryl: “Marsy's Law for Wisconsin matters. It matters to those victims. It matters to the victims' families. And it matters to those people who may become a victim."