It was noted during the recent Vicksburg Domestic Violence Conference that the number of domestic violence cases handled by the Vicksburg Police Department has decreased. Hopefully this means that our combined efforts to educate the community on the resources available and to hold offenders more accountable are paying off. Regardless, we remain committed to bringing attention to this issue that has not only ruined many lives, but taken a few as well.

The second annual conference was a success with about 117 people in attendance over a two-day period. On behalf of the planning committee, I would like to extend gratitude to all who participated including: keynote speakers Paula Broome of the Mississippi Attorney General’s office, Wendy Mahoney of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Dr. Randy Easterling, Gregory Fultz, Christy Pickering; other presenters Mayor George Flaggs Jr., Sheriff’s Department Investigator Sam Winchester, Police Chief Milton Moore, Assistant District Attorney Angela Carpenter, Capt. Penny Jones, retired Lt. Beverly Prentiss; panelists William Nettle (moderator), Attorney Kimberly Nailor, Donnell Rose of Waterview Casino, Jackie Libbett of Lady Luck Casino, Sgt. Kathryn Trueheart, Alicia Draper of Walmart; and other contributors Marcia Weaver and Nancy Allen of the Vicksburg Planning Department, Alvin Coleman, Marcus Allen and Larry Walker of TV23, Artis Williams, Larry Prentiss of LDs Catering, Susie Calbert,  Alberta Wheeler, Mu Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Vicksburg Post as well as all of the vendors, volunteers and attendees present.

With continued community support, we can keep making a difference with this annual event.

Toni Walker Terrett, Municipal Court Judge

Project Director

Vicksburg Domestic Violence

Victims Empowerment Program