Home State Wide Photo gallery: Mississippi crime victims rally for safety and support

Photo gallery: Mississippi crime victims rally for safety and support

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Crime victims and family members gathered Wednesday at the state Capitol for what organizers said would be the first Survivors Speak Mississippi event. They called on lawmakers to reform the state’s victim compensation program and fund a trauma recovery center in Jackson. Survivors from across the state held a rally and vigil to honor victims of gun violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. 

Terrill Guyton listens as speakers discuss reforms to support crime victims during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Aswad Thomas, a survivor of gun violence and national director of Crime Survivors, speaks during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Survivors and supporters gather for the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Carolyn Marberry says a prayer during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Vera Triggs gathers with other survivors and supporters for the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Survivors of violence raise their hands during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Queen Hatfield speaks during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Felecia Marshall speaks during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Marshall’s daughter was killed by gun violence, inspiring Marshall to advocate for victims and families. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Ishaunna Gully, a survivor of domestic violence, listens during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Emilee Shell holds a candle for a victim of violence during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Democratic Rep. Grace Butler-Washington of Jackson speaks during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Rebecca Cavett gathers with other survivors and supporters for the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Democratic Sen. Sollie Norwood of Jackson speaks during the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Survivors and supporters gather for the Survivors Speak Mississippi event at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
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