Applications for the first distributions from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund are now available, giving organizations that provide services to victims of human trafficking the opportunity to receive a portion of the $2.5 million in allocated funds.
“An estimated 40.3 million people are currently being trafficked for forced labor or sex around the world, including right here in Mississippi,” Attorney General Lynn Fitch said. “There are few crimes that rob a person of their very humanity and dignity like human trafficking. These funds will help these victims begin to piece their lives back together and make their way to becoming survivors.”
The fund was first created during the 2020 Legislative Session through House Bill 1559, which provided grants to direct service providers for trafficking victims throughout Mississippi.
Two years later, the fund was given its first donation from the River of Pearls Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Officials appropriated the current $2.5 million in funding during the 2022 Legislative Session.
The application, solicitation, and full list of requirements for the distribution of funds can be found on the Attorney General’s Office’s website. Applications must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. on November 23. Funding decisions will be announced in December.
