10 Memorable Moments From 2021

So many memorable moments. Looking back over the past year, we are so thankful for the ways Kentuckians have supported – and utilized - Marsy’s Law. The year has provided an opportunity to interact with hundreds of people and dozens of advocacy organizations as Marsy’s Law has been implemented in communities throughout the Commonwealth. And we have been inspired by the incredible work of these organizations to provide hope and support to crime victims and their families.

As we reflect, we wanted to share 10 memorable moments from 2021 that could not have been possible without YOU!

1. Memorable Anniversary Moment:

In November, we celebrated one year of Marsy’s Law in Kentucky. During the month we hosted a panel discussion and released a video highlighting how Marsy’s Law is making a difference.  You can check out that video below.

2. Memorable Anniversary Moment:

As part of the Anniversary Celebration, several partners joined us to reflect on the impact of Marsy’s Law during the course of the year. Thank you to our panelists for sharing their experience: Brittany Scordo, Director of Victim Services, Fayette County Commonwealth's Attorney; Laela Kashan, Staff Attorney, Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc.; Jennifer Lainhart, Director, Hope's Wings Domestic Violence Program; Jennifer Brown, Victim/Witness Advocate, Madison County, Ky; and Denise Durbin, former Executive Director, Office of Victims Advocacy, Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. Watch the full discussion below.
 

3. Memorable Partner Moment

Blueprint for Safety is an example of MLKY in action. This initiative is committed to addressing the crime of domestic violence by coming together as a team and offering victims a cohesive experience as they reach out for help. Blueprint for Safety is set up to be uniquely prepared to address Marsy’s Law. 

“Every time a Madison County deputy responds, he goes over the Marsy’s Law Card and then documents it in his report. Because they have done this, now other agencies are looking for ways they can continue to implement Marsy’s Law”  - Jennifer Brown, Blueprint for Safety

4. Memorable Survivor Moment 

In the November episode of the Marsy's Law for All Facebook Live series, survivors Ava Stokes and Kentucky Commonwealth’s Attorney Sharon Muse shared their stories of victimization and their journeys to healing. Thanks to Marsy’s Law, Ava was able to use her voice during the trial and the sentencing of her perpetrator. Both Ava and her parents were able to give victim impact statements - an opportunity they may not have had without Marsy’s Law. 

 “This is probably the most important aspect of a trial that Marsy’s Law has gifted to survivors ... I don't know what I would do if I was not able to use my voice.” - Ava Stokes

5. Memorable Partner Moment 

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) was April 18-24 and provided MLKY State Director Dr. Emily Bonistall Postel a number of opportunities to support our partners across the state … such as the Fayette County Crime Victims’ Memorial and the National Justice & Hope for Crime Victims Event in Grayson.

Kentuckians also demonstrated their support of this important week by illuminating purple landmarks in their communities.   (video link) Newspapers helped spread the word by publishing this op-ed written by Emily and MADD Executive Director, Alex Otte 

We look forward to the 2022 NCVRW next April!


6. Memorable Education Opportunities

MLKY was represented in Portland, OR, during the 21st Annual National Crime Victim Law Institute’s Conference. This is the only national conference focusing on the impact of the law, rights, and the justice system on victims -- including enforcement of victims’ rights in criminal cases.

This year’s theme – Empowering Through Access – resonated with our efforts in Kentucky as the constitutional rights provided by Marsy’s Law empower victims by providing them meaningful access to the criminal justice system. MLKY State Director Emily co-presented with Dorislee Gilbert, J.D., to share “Practical Steps and Legal Remedies: Strategies to Improve the Criminal Justice Experience for Crime Victims.”

7. Memorable Messages

To share the progress and success of MLKY, we introduced Advocate, our newsletter. We chose the name because we felt it most closely communicated our mission in Kentucky — to support and assist others and act as an advocate on their behalf. Advocate keeps our partners and supporters updated on announcements, events across the state, education opportunities, and more. Click here to view the Advocate Newsletter.


8. Memorable Action Moments

In April, when the Kentucky Parole Board issued a directive – which would be retroactive – prohibiting inmates serving life sentences from receiving “serve outs” the first time they appear before the Board, Kentuckians spoke up. Crime victims, their families, advocacy organizations, and the legal community took action to stop the directive. Kentucky’s Attorney General and two commonwealth’s attorneys filed lawsuits to halt the directive, and Marsy’s Law was prominently cited. Within weeks, the directive was rescinded.

As Attorney General Cameron noted in his lawsuit, the Board’s issuing of the directive deprived crime victims of due process and dignity under Amendment 1, Marsy's Law, of the Kentucky Constitution. Click here to read more about this memorable moment of action.

David Toney, whose father was kidnapped and murdered in Ashland, also spoke out strongly and, after the directive was retracted, he authored a column in The Daily Independent encouraging Kentuckians to continue speaking out to make a difference.

“Speak up. As we have seen during the last few weeks, loud, passionate, and informed voices can make a difference. But we may have more work to do.” - David Toney

9. Memorable Education Moment

In early December, MLKY State Director Emily was a guest on the podcast, This Is Not Advice, with Erin Conlon. Emily shared her journey as a researcher, academic, and now advocate for victims in the justice system. While she shared a lot from her personal journey, she also discussed the impact Marsy’s Law can continue to have on the community. You can listen here -

“In Kentucky, victims had the right to a victim impact statement, but whether or not a judge would allow them to read it was up to the judge, but now the consistency is the difference." – MLKY State Director Dr. Emily Bonistall Postel


10. Memorable Community Moments

In November, we asked some of our partners and supporters to share a short video with us telling how Marsy’s Law is making a difference. It was so inspiring – and truly delightful - to hear from them and we want to share a few with you –

We hope you enjoyed this look back at 2021! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2022.