Overview

The Wisconsin Crime Victims Council is an advisory body created by the legislature in 1981 that operates under  Wis. Stat. 15.257(2).   

• PUBLIC SAFETY:  The Council develops and implements projects, conducts research, and makes recommendations to the attorney general concerning public safety issues. 

• VICTIMS' RIGHTS:  From its inception, the Council has held a strong focus on victims' rights.  In 2020, the Council gathered feedback from partners in the field about legislative or policy changes needed for the meaningful implementation of the recently amended Victims of Crime constitutional language ("Marsy's Law").  The following documents describe the project, which resulted in recommendations to the attorney general in December, 2020:

Marsy's Law Implementation Project Goals and Objectives (July 2020)

Results of Stakeholder Survey (September 2020)

• JUSTICE SYSTEM: The Crime Victim Council functions on a continuing basis to study and recommend solutions and policies that support victim-centered practices within the justice system.  The Council seeks to support victims and allied professionals by providing information about best practices and self-advocacy tools for victims.

Council Publications

Interacting with the Media:

Interacting with the Media: Tips for Crime Victims

For Crime Victims: How to Get Information to the Media & Sample Press Statement

Media Tips, Abbreviated (prints 4 cards per page)

Restitution:

A Guide to Restitution Collection in Wisconsin

Stress Reactions After Jury Service:

After Your Service  (downloadable brochure for use by clerks of court)

Victim Information in Justice System Records 

Crime Victim Information Held by Criminal Justice Agencies: What Victims Should Know  

Crime Victims Council Appointees

By statute, appointments to the Council are for three years and of the fifteen members, ten are citizen appointees, two represent organizations that provide victim services, and one each represents law enforcement, district attorneys and the judiciary.  By statute, the attorney general is responsible for appointing members to the Council.

Correspondence related to the Council can be sent to:

Crime Victim Council

Wisconsin Department of Justice

17 West Main Street  

Madison, WI 53703