We recently presented our “Guardian of Victims’ Rights” award to Pastor Deb Rensink, CEO and founder of Whispers of Love, Hope, & Joy located in Sioux Center, Iowa.

We have been working with Pastor Deb and her team at Whispers of Love, Hope, & Joy to strengthen the rights for all victims in Iowa. They have a wonderful organization that has a dedicated team who is working to make a positive impact and bringing healing for Iowa victims. Any time we need help and reach out to Pastor Deb, she is quick to respond and always keeps what is in the best interest of victims in mind. 

The right, upon request, to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of all proceedings involving the criminal offense

The right, upon request, to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any release, transfer, or escape of the accused or convicted

The right to privacy, including the right to refuse a deposition or discovery request

The right to be informed of your rights

The right to reasonably confer with the government attorney

The right to be present at trial and proceedings

The right to be heard at any proceeding involving the disposition of the defendant or a right of the victim

Marsy’s Law Could Provide Better Victim Privacy

In Iowa, the law grants prosecutors the right to request that a minor provide deposition testimony outside the presence of the defendant per Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.13(2)(b) and Iowa Code § 915.38(1)(a). The problem is that, for the Court to grant this request, prosecutors must prove to the Court that the minor would suffer trauma and suffer from an impaired ability to communicate if forced to testify in the physical presence of the defendant. This opens the door to defense attorneys seeking and obtaining the victim’s counseling records.