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Washington County Executive Josh Schulman and DA Barry Bridal mark National Crime Victims' Rights Week
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Summary
County Executive Josh Schulman and District Attorney Barry Bridal used WASHCO Weekly to highlight victim services, praise interagency partnerships and cite Marcy's Law as strengthening victims' rights; Bridal also recounted a recent domestic violence conviction and called for continued support for victims.
County Executive Josh Schulman opened a WASHCO Weekly segment by introducing District Attorney Barry Bridal and noting the county was observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
"I'm here with DA Barry Bridal, and we are celebrating National Crime Victims Rights Week," Schulman said as he welcomed listeners, later emphasizing that protecting crime victims is "our top priority here in Washington County."
District Attorney Barry Bridal told listeners his office maintains a team "dedicated entirely to providing guidance, assistance, to crime victims," saying many people come to the criminal justice system for the first time as victims and need support. "We have dedicated staff...guiding them through the legal process, and ensuring that they're protected and that they're heard," Bridal said.
Bridal highlighted partnerships the office relies on to help victims, naming a local nonprofit that he identified in the segment as Friends Inc (the audio also refers to it as "Fred's Inc"). He also praised the sheriff's office and local agencies as the "first responders" who often are the first to interact with crime victims.
As an example of the results of that collaboration, Bridal recounted a recent domestic violence prosecution: he said the fearful victim came to court with partner support and "her abuser was convicted, and he was sentenced to over 70 years in prison." Bridal attributed that outcome in part to coordinated support for the victim.
Bridal also cited Marcy's Law, which the discussion said was enacted following a 2020 voter initiative in Wisconsin, and said "much of this wouldn't even be possible without Marcy's Law," describing the measure as elevating victims' rights in criminal proceedings.
Schulman closed the segment by thanking workers across the DA's office, the sheriff's office and community partners for their work supporting victims and invited listeners to "join us again next week for WASHCO Weekly."
