AG Fitch Awards Nearly $1 Million to Aid Human Trafficking Victims in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. — Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced Wednesday the distribution of nearly $1 million in grants to eight Mississippi organizations that provide critical services to victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

The funding comes from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund, created by the Legislature in 2020. This marks the fourth round of grants, bringing the total distributed to $9.5 million since the program’s inception.

“Working together, we can put an end to human trafficking in our state,” Fitch said. “Mississippi is blessed with many organizations committed to walking alongside victims on their journey to healing.”

Key Points

• Nearly $1 million awarded to eight Mississippi organizations supporting trafficking survivors.
• Fourth round of grants since the fund was established in 2020.
• $9.5 million total distributed to victim services statewide.
• 16 applications submitted this cycle, totaling nearly $5 million in requests.
• Funding comes from criminal assessments, donations, and legislative appropriations.
• A $2.5 million legislative appropriation was vetoed in 2025, limiting current awards.
• Additional funding may be announced in 2026 if appropriations are approved.

2025 Grant Recipients

• Center for Violence Prevention — $306,810.38 to expand services through its Tower residential program and Rapid Response Team.
• Domestic Abuse Family Shelter — $196,754.27 to continue services across 11 counties and expand public awareness efforts.
• Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence — $167,627.27 to provide holistic services and training on sex trafficking and trauma-informed care.
• Hope Community Collective — $8,000 for groceries, clothing, hygiene items, transportation, and communication support.
• Mississippi Coalition Against Human Trafficking — $112,303.92 to expand its Independent Living Assistance Program, offering mentoring and financial planning.
• Southern Christian Services — $166,234.50 to operate Mississippi’s safe home for adolescent survivors and provide therapy for victims and families.
• Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center — $26,755.99 to sustain its mental health therapy program.
• Sunnybrook Children’s Home — $5,002 to continue collaboration on safe housing for adolescent survivors.

The fund, established through HB 1559, supports direct service providers assisting trafficking victims. While the 2025 appropriation was vetoed, Fitch said the committee remains committed to ensuring survivors receive resources to rebuild their lives.

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