The assumption that all victims’ families favor the death penalty is so entrenched that families who oppose the death penalty sometimes experience discrimination within the criminal justice system from prosecutors, judges, or court-appointed victims’ advocates. MVFHR advocates for equitable treatment of victims regardless of their beliefs about the death penalty, and educates attorneys, victims’ advocates, other victims’ service professionals, and academic “victimologists” about the diversity of opinion that exists among victims regarding the death penalty.

Read the report Dignity Denied: The Experience of Murder Victims’ Family Members Who Oppose the Death Penalty (published in 2002; updated edition now in progress)

Read “Crime Victims Equality Act Passes in New Hampshire” (story in MVFHR newsletter)