Survivors of violent crime and family members gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol on Wednesday, calling on lawmakers to reform the state’s victim compensation program and fund a trauma recovery center in Jackson, organizers said.
Organizers described the gathering as the first Survivors Speak Mississippi event and said participants came from across the state to press their demands, according to organizers.
The rally included a vigil to honor victims of gun violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. Aswad Thomas, national director of Crime Survivors, spoke at the event, and Democratic Rep. Grace Butler-Washington and Democratic Sen. Sollie Norwood of Jackson also addressed the crowd, Mississippi Today reported.
Several survivors and family members shared their stories. Felecia Marshall, whose daughter was killed by gun violence, spoke about her advocacy for victims and families, Mississippi Today reported. Attendees held candles and observed prayers during the vigil, Mississippi Today said.
