Priscilla Dawson, a lifelong resident of Jackson, MS, is the mother of three and grandmother of five. When her daughter became the victim of sexual assault, she set out to fight for justice for her daughter. She graduated from John W. Provine High School in Jackson, Mississippi in 1984 before attending Jackson State University where she received my B.S. in Criminal Justice and my M.A. in Criminology & Justice Services. She is currently employed with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office as the Quality Assurance Coordinator.

State Investigator Kristen Liberto understands the need for stronger crime victims’ rights in Mississippi. Victims of crime deserve more from Mississippi’s criminal justice system.

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When she was 20 years old, Ishaunna Gully was shot in the back by her ex-boyfriend, leaving her paralyzed and terrified. Throughout the sentencing, Ishaunna received no explanation of her rights or the proceedings. She felt alone in the system and just wanted the whole process to end. Throughout the traumatic physical and mental recovery and legal battles, she became more and more determined that Mississippi can do better. She now runs “Take a Stand, No More,” a victims’ organization assisting victims of domestic violence. Now, she’s on a mission to convince Mississippi lawmakers and voters that in order to do better, Mississippi needs Marsy’s Law.

Through her work as a Victim Advocate with The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention in Hattiesburg and Laurel, Mississippi, Teressa Ellzey has seen firsthand how important having a voice is in the road to recovery. She supports victims through all phases of recovery, including hospital visits and navigating the court system. "I am a victim's advocate first and foremost," she says. "I am a voice not only for The Shafer Center, but for victims that can't or are not willing to speak out about sexual assault."

Funteller Hicks shares her story from Utica, Mississippi

PHILADELPHIA, MISS.: On Thursday, August 1, Speaker Philip Gunn will be joined by elected officials and victims’ rights advocates to formally kick off the statewide campaign for Marsy’s Law for Mississippi at the Neshoba County Fair, Cabin 211, at 12:40 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019, JACKSON, MISS.

JUNE 5, 2019, JACKSON, MISS.: Four Mississippi Mayors have officially endorsed the passage of Marsy’s Law in Mississippi, a law that seeks to amend the state constitution to give crime victims an equal level of constitutional protections, no less vigorous, than those afforded to the accused and convicted.