Priscilla Dawson on Pursuing Justice and Staying Informed

Priscilla Dawson, a lifelong resident of Jackson, Mississippi, 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.

Priscilla graduated from John W. Provine High School in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1984 before attending Jackson State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Arts in Criminology and Justice Services.

She is currently employed with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office as the Quality Assurance Coordinator.

Can you describe what it was like for you as a crime victim in the Hinds County court system?

My problems actually began with the reporting law enforcement agency. The person in charge of investigating the case did not process the case in a timely manner. I had to have her removed from the case, and someone else was appointed.

The sexual assault occurred in 2017, but the case was not tried until 2019.

The perpetrator was initially arrested and released with no bond by a Hinds County judge. He was re-arrested upon indictment. The courts allowed him a bond hearing without requiring him to go through the same process as other arrestees. It appeared he or his family had connections with the court.

Neither my daughter nor I was advised of his release at either time.

Since his conviction, the perpetrator has been moved from his initial assigned facility. I signed up for VINE, the online notification system, once he was convicted. Neither VINE nor the court alerted me that he was being moved to another lower-custody facility. I have been monitoring his incarceration on my own.

What did you find to be the most frustrating aspect?

We were assigned an advocate from the District Attorney’s office. We received little to no assistance from her.

I actually utilized the services of a friend who had formerly worked with the Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault. She guided me through the system and helped me push my daughter’s case into the courts.

How do you believe Marsy’s Law for Mississippi will most help crime victims in the state?

I believe that Marsy’s Law will require the courts to do more to aid victims and their families by providing better advocacy and satisfactory case resolution during and after conviction.

Do you have any words of encouragement for other crime victims?

I encourage victims to actively pursue their cases through the courts. Keep an open dialogue with the person prosecuting your case. Document each interaction with anyone involved with the case on either side.

Last but not least, do not give up, no matter what discouraging statistic you are given to deter you from pursuing justice. If you stay focused and driven, you will win.