CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Eric Baker with Marsy’s Law for Iowa, Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper, Leigh Bauder, Audrey Hartzler and Sydney Fox with Marsy’s Law for Iowa.

DES MOINES –During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Marsy’s Law for Iowa presented their “Guardian of Victims’ Rights Awards” to those who have been the most outspoken on the need for change in Iowa – crime victims themselves.

From April 18 through April 24, Iowans have joined with others across the country in celebrating National Crime Victims Week (NCVRW). This annual event takes place to remember and honor crime victims and highlight the various services available to them.

Marsy’s Law for Iowa has participated in numerous events during the week to honor victims, including presenting six awards to victims across the state, to recognize the important work they’ve done to advance the issue of crime victims’ rights in Iowa.

“There are several victim survivors involved in the Marsy’s Law for Iowa coalition that have harnessed the terrible and tragic circumstances of their cases and are now using those stories to boldly pave the way and bring healing for other Iowa victims, now and in the future,” said Eric Baker, Marsy’s Law for Iowa state director. “I can think of no greater group of women to honor as true Guardian of Victims’ Rights than these six.”

The honorees were:

• Leigh Bauder, Marshalltown

• Audrey Hartzler, Marshalltown

• Vicki Kuper, Scotch Grove

• Jenn Pierce, Crescent

• Shal Marie Winter, Davenport

• Tiffany Allison, Des Moines