Victims' rights amendment ad highlights why victims need equal rights

by Brad Crone, Political consultant and NC SPIN panelist, September 27, 2018.

The first broadcast ad for North Carolina’s bipartisan victims’ rights amendment was released today.  The TV ad highlights that North Carolina victims are not currently guaranteed important notification regarding status of their case - including the custody status of the accused or convicted.  The victims’ rights amendment in November would guarantee that victims of crime are notified when the accused or convicted is released from custody.

The ad is part of a comprehensive statewide ad campaign to educate voters about the important need to strengthen victims’ rights in the state constitution. The ad will also be used in social media outreach on Facebook and Twitter.

The victims’ rights amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, will guarantee that victims of crime in North Carolina are informed about their rights and the services available to them, that they get notification of court proceedings, and updates on developments in their criminal cases. It will allow victims of crime to be present and heard at court proceedings if they choose, and it will inform victims and their families about custody changes of the accused.

“It’s hard to believe that current law does not guarantee North Carolina’s crime victims are notified when their attacker is released from custody.  Not only does this continue suffering for victims, but it also puts their safety at risk.  The victims’ rights amendment will give crime victims guaranteed rights including custody notification,” said Chris Sinclair, campaign director for Marsy’s Law in North Carolina. “This is one of a series of ads we’re planning for this campaign so that voters know the facts during this election season.”

The law was debated and vetted with stakeholders for more than a year when it passed the General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan votes - more than 150 yes votes from Democrats and Republicans - in June 2018.

There are already 35 states that have some form of victims’ rights in their constitution, including California, Illinois, North and South Dakota, and Ohio, which all passed Marsy’s Law in recent years. It is on the 2018 ballot in other states including Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Nevada and Oklahoma.

For more information on the Marsy’s Law for North Carolina campaign, visit: www.marsyslawfornc.com

The ad can be viewed here.