It’s time that our criminal justice process be more responsive to victims. Today many of us are left feeling like we’re secondary to the process, and that has to change.

During my divorce several years ago, my ex-husband tried to destroy my house. I got a protection order against him, but that didn’t stop him. He attempted to electrocute me and was convicted at trial. Trial was difficult, and I wasn’t even allowed to be in the room except for when I testified. After conviction, he was sentenced to 20 years.

Less than three years into his sentence, he was released on a technicality on appeal. The court never heard from me before dismissing the case and releasing him from prison. I feel like the only reason I was even told he was released was because of my repeated calls to the prison for updates. If someone had ever called me to inform me of changes in his case, I would have felt more protected. Even though I tried hard to be a part of the appeal process, I was never able to voice what I thought was fair and just. Now he is free as if he did nothing.

These mistakes put my life in danger once again, and he continues to harass me. It is so incredibly important we inform victims of what is happening and give them an opportunity to be heard in their case. Marsy’s Law for Montana will change this for crime victims by giving us a constitutional right to be informed and involved in the process. Please vote yes on Marsy’s Law, CI-116. —Donna Heisel, Charlo