Hear from victims, advocates, and community leaders who support strengthening protections for crime victims in Arkansas. Explore the videos below to learn more about victims’ rights, Marsy’s Law, and the voices behind the effort to ensure victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the criminal justice process.
Marsy’s Law: Protecting Victims, Giving Them A Voice
In Arkansas, crime victims often feel left out of the criminal justice process. From being denied their right to speak at hearings to not receiving notification when their offender is released, victims are too often revictimized by the system meant to protect them. Marsy’s Law would fix that, giving victims a platform to finally be seen by the criminal justice system. It’s time for Marsy’s Law.
Kelsey Grammer Supports Marsy’s Law
Having endured the loss of his father to homicide and then the rape and killing of his sister, Kelsey Grammer has experienced the benefits and challenges of the criminal justice system. Marsy’s Law would put victims’ rights in the Arkansas Constitution, guaranteeing crime victims the same lasting, enforceable protection already given to the accused and convicted. Please support Marsy’s Law to protect victims’ dignity, safety, and voice.
Susan Hutchinson
Former Arkansas first lady Susan Hutchinson tells lawmakers that Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to fairness, dignity and privacy; freedom from intimidation; and the standing to assert those rights in court.
Laura Abbott
Victim advocate Laura Abbott tells lawmakers Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to fairness, dignity and privacy; to be notified of and heard at court proceedings; and to rights that are enforceable.
Sheila Duvall
Sheila Duvall says Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to know and assert their rights in court; to fairness, dignity, and privacy; to be notified of and heard at court proceedings; and to confer with the prosecutor.
Leslie Abbott Boone
Victim advocate Leslie Abbott Boone tells lawmakers Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims standing to be notified of and heard at hearings on release, plea, sentencing and post-conviction release.
Melinda Pack Crowder
Melinda Pack Crowder says Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to know their rights and to assert them in court.
Elaine Colclasure
Victim advocate Elaine Colclasure says Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to confer with the prosecutor; to be notified of and heard at court proceedings; and to a speedy trial.
Charlotte Meade-Leher
Charlotte Meade-Leher says Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to fairness, dignity and privacy; freedom from intimidation; and protection from the defendant.
Dafony Boyd
Dafony Boyd says Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to protection from the defendant; to safety considered in setting bail; and to fairness, dignity and privacy.
Laura Abbott (2)
Victim advocate Laura Abbott says Arkansas needs a constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims the right to be heard at court and post-conviction proceedings; to confer with the prosecutor; and to know and assert their rights in court.
