Marsy’s Law for Ohio names two to new advisory board

Marsy’s Law for Ohio, which supports rights for crime victims under the state’s Constitution, is expanding its mission with the support of rights advocates and legal experts in Ohio, including two from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department.

After Marsy’s Law was overwhelmingly passed by Ohio voters in 2017, the organization continued to elevate victims’ rights and ensure the Ohio Constitution was being followed, according to a news release. Marsy’s Law for Ohio is now launching an Advisory Board that has attracted members from across the state.

The Advisory Board will serve as a connection point for those in the victims’ rights space across the state to collaborate, learn, and educate.

“The group of experts and advocates joining the Advisory Board will make an even greater impact in how we advocate for victims’ rights across the state of Ohio,” said Jessica Ryan of Marsy’s Law for Ohio, in the release.

“We identified members who can discuss every aspect of crime victims’ rights and work together to improve the criminal justice system for victims.”

“Far too often, victims of violent crimes do not know that they have rights too.

Our current system places an inconceivable burden on victims to seek and access justice,” said Sophia Fifner, advocate and Advisory Board member, in the release.

“With the newly formed Marsy’s Law for Ohio Advisory Board, I hope we can move our legislators to act and inform victims of lifesaving resources for when the unconceivable strikes.

“As a survivor of rape, I believe the Marsy’s Law Advisory Board is a formidable step toward raising awareness that survivors’ rights matter.”

The inaugural Marsy’s Law for Ohio Advisory Board members include Tracy Jordan, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office’s victim advocate and director of the Geauga LOSS Team; and Deputy Robin Taylor, who is part of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office’ Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Unit.

Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her exboyfriend in 1983.

And only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer.