MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Landmarks across Wisconsin are lighting up purple this week to mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and the five-year anniversary of Marsy’s Law being approved by state voters.
The “Go Purple” campaign, organized by Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, aims to raise awareness for victims’ rights and show solidarity with survivors. The effort aligns with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 6-12, and is part of a broader push to highlight how far the state has come since adopting the victims’ rights amendment to its constitution.
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“It has been five years since Wisconsin residents banded together to transform our criminal justice system by voting in favor of Marsy’s Law,” said Nela Kalpic, state director for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin and a domestic abuse survivor. “Since then, victims have been more informed, more involved, and more empowered throughout the legal process. They no longer have to sit quietly on the sidelines.”
The 2025 theme for Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “Kinship,” a reminder that communities play an important role in supporting survivors and standing together against violence and trauma.
In Green Bay, the downtown bridges, Brown County Courthouse, and Resch Expo Center are all scheduled to be lit in purple. In Milwaukee, locations include City Hall, the Mitchell Park Domes and several downtown buildings. The Madison Municipal Building is also participating.
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Marsy’s Law was passed in April 2020 with support from more than 1.1 million voters, winning by a margin of over 700,000 votes. It guarantees crime victims the right to be heard in court, to be informed of proceedings, and to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the legal process.
More details about the campaign and a full list of participating landmarks can be found at marsyslawforwi.com.
