Victim and Witness Rights

On April 7, 2020, Wisconsin voters ratified an amendment to the Wisconsin State Constitution entitling rights to crime victims. In addition to all other rights previously available to victims, these rights apply to crime victims at the time of their victimization and throughout the criminal and juvenile justice processes. These rights are effective as of May 4, 2020 and apply to all current and future victims.

Exercising your rights

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has information for victims and families here.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the local agency in question. In most cases, the Department of Justice’s Victim Resource Center can help mediate a resolution to your complaint. If the issue cannot be resolved through the Department of Justice’s informal complaint process, you have the right to file a complaint with the Crime Victims’ Rights Board.