Marsy’s Law uniting for Nevada crime victims

April 10 through the 16th is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, marked by remembrances nationwide and here in Nevada for innocent people who have been victimized.

Think of your family, your friends, your co-workers. At any moment, any one of us could become a victim of crime. That is why we at Safe Nest and S.A.F.E. House have united with a growing list of provider programs to support Nevada’s first major crime victims’ rights measure in 20 years, Nevada Senate Joint Resolution 17 or Marsy’s Law for Nevada.

Chances are good that you know at least one person who has been victimized by crime, whether it was a minor theft or a life-altering attack that claimed a life. As advocates for domestic violence victims, S.A.F.E. House and Safe Nest operate as two different organizations, and yet have similar missions: to help domestic violence victims from across the valley and beyond find a safe place and come to terms with their options. We seek to help victims find the path to an emotionally fulfilling life, free of violence and fear.

As advocates, we work hand-in-hand with various non-profit and social service agencies helping victims redefine their lives. It takes a united effort among advocates and residents to help victims. It also requires laws and guidelines that consider the victim. That’s why we support SJR17, also known as Marsy’s Law for Nevada.

The Marsy’s Law for Nevada effort is named after a young California woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas lost her life to violence, but today she represents every victim of crime — any one of us — who deserves to be remembered during the judicial process. A murderer, batterer or thief should not have more rights in the eyes of the law than the victim.

We believe Nevada victims deserve a guaranteed voice within the judicial process. Just as suspects and convicted people have important, protected rights, the victims of crimes deserve the same level of consideration, information and a voice. SJR17 would help strengthen our laws on behalf of all crime victims.

The measure would bring about a state constitutional amendment to make sure victims are considered. Caring and dedicated Nevadans worked hard over the years to help create our current statutory laws for crime victims. Those recommendations would remain part of our statutes. Marsy’s Law for Nevada would create a new level of enforcement and consideration for victims to make sure they are given a strong voice during the judicial proceedings, as well as the incarceration phase.

Equal rights for crime victims. That is what the advocates of Marsy’s Law for Nevada and those in six other states currently considering similar measures are working to secure for victims. S.A.F.E. House and Safe Nest agree that crime victims deserve nothing less. For that reason we stand together to support this proposal. Lawmakers approved this measure in 2015 with wide, bipartisan support. We urge state lawmakers to again consider the rights of crime victims in Nevada as the measure comes up for a second required vote in the 2017 legislative session.

We ask lawmakers to see the value of a guaranteed voice for Nevada victims, and to send this on to the voters, giving the people of Nevada a say on crime victims’ rights. On any given day, any one of us could be the next victim of a crime. We believe every victim deserves equal rights and a guaranteed voice.

Julie Proctor is executive director, S.A.F.E. House. Estelle Murphy is executive director of Safe Nest.