Dozens of people, including parents of many homicide victims, gathered at a Waynesboro park Saturday for an event in recognition of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week.
Victim advocate talks about National Crime Victimsâ Rights Week and resources
Victim advocate talks about National Crime Victimsâ Rights Week and resources By Melissa Rademaker | April 23, 2021 at 4:55 PM CDT - Updated April 23 at 5:37 PM
FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - National Crime Victimsâ Rights Week reminds people that victims of violence and assault crimes have legal rights and it raises awareness about helplines and agencies.
Derica Killingsworth, the victim advocate for the Forrest County Sheriffâs Department, explains that Mississippi has specific laws for apprehending felony assault charges. She says investigators take every case seriously no matter the timeline.
âMost victims donât know that Mississippi has no statute of limitations, meaning that a victim can come in years later and report an incident happening to them, especially with sexual assaults, homicides, aggravated assaults, basically any felony charge,â Killingsworth s
Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention serves victims in 11 counties
Providing resources to victims of crimes
Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention serves victims in 11 counties By Melissa Rademaker | April 9, 2021 at 6:29 PM CDT - Updated April 9 at 6:29 PM
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention in Hattiesburg continues to serve 11 Pine Belt counties, practicing victim advocacy and recovery.
The center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 601-264-7777 as well as support groups, counseling, help with compensation applications and support going to related meetings and appointments.
One victim advocate, Teressa Ellzey, explains how the center impacted her life.