Mississippi Women Writing History
March is Women’s History Month, and we at the Coalition are spotlighting the remarkable women who wrote and are writing Mississippi’s domestic violence advocacy history. Concerted efforts to provide safety for women in Mississippi who were victims of domestic violence began in the 1970’s, although domestic violence predates the 70’s. It is a crime that is almost as old as mankind.
From personal homes to double wide trailers, back rooms of businesses and other non-descript locations, many of the women we are recognizing fostered a work that coalesced into what we know today as the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the statewide member programs that provide shelter to victims of interpersonal violence. Their early efforts were met with resistance and were viewed as efforts to break up families, but these determined women persevered. We honor the women who led the charge: Jane Philo, Barbara Piggot, and Linda Raff. Listed below are others who propelled the movement.
Anna Madden Jane Schneider
Anne Robertson Janice Luckett
Anne Sims Jay Purcell
Barbara Densmore Joyce Aron
Barbara Hewitt Lark Johnson
Cheryl Hall Leah Headings
Debi Morris Margaret McKeever
Donna Antoine-Perkins Melzana Fuller
Fran Baker Winki Allen
Gale Wiedefhoeft Pat Aschoff
Garnett Harrison Pat Flynn
Gloria Thompson Patricia Davenport
Goldie Wolf Sandra Morrison
Gwen Bouie-Haynes Sister Marin Bullard
Heather Philo Wagner Susie Chatman
We also honor the women who have served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Emily Smith, Phoebe Davis, Michelle Carroll, Anna Crump, and the current ED, Wendy Mahoney. Today’s history writers include our shelter administers, executive directors, coalition staff, and advocates who embrace the vision that Together, we have the strength.
If you know of someone we missed, please email support@mcadv.org so we may acknowledge them and capture it as we record the Coalition’s history.
Legislative Update
STATE POLICY: MISSISSIPPI 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
We are halfway through the 2021 Legislative Session. During this session we have witnessed Mississippi lawmakers introduce legislation to improve resources for families, extend postpartum Medicaid coverage, and remove match requirements for DV shelter programs. These bills have survived major deadlines in the House and Senate.
Legislation to remove the 25% match requirement has survived the Mississippi Legislature. With advocacy and education, House Bill 695 survived the March 2nd deadline. With support from members of the Judiciary A senate committee, HB 695 moved to the Senate Floor and passed by a unanimous vote. What does this mean? I’m glad you asked! This success means that we are one step away from removing “match” language from the State DV Fund. We appreciate the advocacy from our shelter programs and the support from Mississippi Legislators. As we patiently await this legislation to be signed by the Governor, MCADV will continue to provide updates. Please share you appreciation and gratitude with your legislators. We know that this would not be possible without their support.
To monitor the status of HB 695, click here.
FEDERAL POLICY: #VOCAFIX ACTION ALERT
A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives and Senators introduced the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (“VOCA Fix Act”)! Thanks to YOUR tireless advocacy, we are one-step closer to saving victim services.
Most importantly, the VOCA Fix Act redirects monetary penalties from federal deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements that would otherwise be deposited into the General Treasury into the Crime Victims Fund. The fix would help stabilize the amount of VOCA funding to states.
Email and tweet your Members of Congress via our action alert and please forward it as well! The bill amends the VOCA statute to increase deposits into the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), which will help stabilize the amount of VOCA funding to states. Check out NNEDV’s VOCA Fix Factsheet and the National Sign on Letter (signed by over 1,600 organizations) for more details.
MCADV is celebrating our 40th Anniversary and we are inviting everyone to join us for our virtual event. Follow us on a trip down memory lane as we visit the historical and significant milestones of the coalition.
During our live broadcast, we will honor the 2020 Purple for Peace prize recipient Chief R. Luke Thompson. We will also pay tribute to outstanding community members that have made a difference in the fight to end domestic violence. Our mistresses of ceremonies, WLBT News Anchor Maggie Wade-Dixon and Y101 Morning Radio Show Host Jenn Newman, will guide us throughout the event.
You can view our event live via MCADV’s Facebook page on March 25th at 7pm.
Shelter Spotlight
Catholic Charities: Jackson Victim Services
Catholic Charities: Jackson Victim Services (JVS) has assisted almost 2500 individuals who experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. These families have embarked upon a new-found freedom after receiving help and support to maintain a DV free life after discharge from Jackson Victim Services. The Shelter has helped women flee the state in order to maintain their safety. Jackson Victim Services Program Director, Sarah Bradley interviewed with WJTV News Channel 12 reminding the world that domestic violence is still prevalent. She shared warning signs and how to aid persons who need help.
During Domestic Violence Awareness month, the families were honored for their bravery. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were catered by community partners in Hinds County. Local vendors provided PPE, chocolate covered strawberries, and a beautiful cake. Handmade purple bows were placed at Catholic Charities’ main office and around the city to raise awareness. On October 21, 2020, the District hosted the Purple Dress Run to support Shelters for Domestic Violence. This is an annual fundraiser for the JVS program.
Jackson Victim Services has provided prevention trainings, teaching awareness and violence prevention curricula to the community at large. These trainings reach over 250 participants throughout the year, educating the community regarding Teen Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Interpersonal Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault. Jackson Victim Services continues to be a present beacon in the community, providing services to nine counties, representing at community events, health fairs and other platforms.
Lastly, Catholic Charities’ Journey of Hope annual fundraiser will be held September 13, 2021 at the Jackson Convention Complex. The guest speaker will be Elizabeth Ann Smart, childhood victim of domestic violence and sexual assault. She was kidnapped at age fourteen and held captive for nine months before being found. The night before the fundraiser, Monday September 13 from 6/8 pm, a book signing will be held at Bravo, Highland Village. The $75 ticket will include her book.
Website and Social Media Links
Catholic Charities: Jackson Victim Services
Facebook – @catholiccharitiesjackson
Instagram – @ccjacksonms
MCADV Welcomes New Staff Members
In February, MCADV welcomed two now staff members to our team! DeMario Simmons serves as the organizations Prevention and Outreach Coordinator and Keesha Brown is the Operations Administrative Coordinator.
A native of Jackson, MS, DeMario has worked with youth for over 10 years and has made a lasting impact with those he has encountered. Prior to joining MCADV, he worked with youth with mental health and behavioral problems, providing intense case management at Youth Villages. He has volunteered with several organizations that specializes in helping adolescents. DeMario was a valuable contributor in the Engaging Men program, which brought public awareness to teenage boys and men about domestic violence and how they can help ensure the safety of those who suffer from it. DeMario believes in teamwork and stated, “Upon starting here at MCADV, I have seen a team that works together. Knowing that I am surrounded by such a group of people, nothing is impossible when it comes to reaching our goals.”Keesha Brown is a native of Madison County, MS. She has over 9 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining the MCADV staff, Keesha worked with nonprofits such as Gateway Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army. When asked about working with MCADV, she expressed, “I love helping and serving people by making positive, significant deposits into the lives of others.” Keesha’s skills and positive attitude will be a great asset to the MCADV team.
Demario Simmons
Keesha Brown
Operations and Administrative Coordinator
Prevention and Outreach Coordinator
