Community Support Network, Inc. Endorses Marsy's Law for NH

COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK, INC. ENDORSES MARSY’S LAW FOR NH

CSNI Endorsement Adds to Growing Support for Constitutional Amendment for Crime Victims’ Rights in New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Amanda Grady Sexton (603) 548-9377

CONCORD – Today the Community Support Network, Inc. endorsed Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire, a constitutional amendment to establish equal rights for crime victims. CSNI is a non-profit organization that works in support of the 10 Area Agencies throughout the state of New Hampshire that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury and their families. CSNI joins a diverse coalition supporting Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire, including the General Federation of Women’s Clubs – NH, NH Police Association, and the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire.

“People with disabilities are two-and-a-half times more likely to be victims of violent crimes than those without disabilities—and three times as likely to be targets of violent crime such as rape, robbery, or aggravated assault—because perpetrators often target vulnerable populations to decrease their chances of being caught. Community Support Network, Inc. supports Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire because we know it will help to ensure that when these vulnerable populations find the strength to come forward they are treated with respect and dignity by the criminal justice system and provided with enforceable constitutional rights on par with those guaranteed to their abuser,” says Jonathan Routhier, Executive Director of CSNI.

“As the parent of two children who experience disabilities, my concern about the safety of my children is compounded by the fact that my children cannot fully express themselves when they’re being hurt,” says Jennifer Pineo, parent and community advocate. “As a parent, it’s my job to worry and to act. I support Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire because I want to make sure our criminal justice system doesn’t give an upper hand to abusers. It’s critical that we elevate the rights of those who are victimized so that we will not have a system of justice that is stacked in favor of those who commit crimes.”

About Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire:

Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire is a grassroots effort to bring constitutional rights to victims of crime. Under Marsy’s Law, or CACR 22, crime victims would have the right to notification of all proceedings and would be guaranteed the right to be heard in the criminal justice system. Victims would also have the right to have input on all plea deals for offenders as well as the right to restitution resulting from the financial impact of the crime. New Hampshire is 1 of only 15 states that does not have constitutional rights for victims.

The Marsy’s Law movement began in 1983 by Henry Nicholas, whose sister Marsy was killed by her ex-boyfriend. One week after her murder, Marsy’s mother and Henry walked into a grocery store where they saw the accused murderer. The family had no idea that he had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Henry Nicholas has made it his mission in life to help provide victims and their families across the country with constitutional protections and equal rights.

Follow Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire:

Twitter:  @MarsysLawforNH  #ML4NH Facebook: Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire

Website:  https://marsyslaw.us/marsys-law-state-efforts/new-hampshire/