The Center for Violence Prevention proudly announces the opening of Mississippi’s Human Trafficking Shelter for adults.
Sandy Middleton, Executive Director, stated, “We chose ‘The Tower’ as the name of the new facility to represent a place of refuge and rest. Mississippi’s victims will finally have the specialized treatment they deserve.” The Center has designed trauma-informed evidence-based programming focused on victim safety, recovery, and restoration. Services for victims will include emergency and long-term shelter, case management, advocacy, therapeutic services, and education and awareness.
Therapeutic services include multiple treatment modalities proven to work for victims who have experienced complex trauma. EMDR, Cognitive behavioral therapy, restorative yoga and mindfulness, animal-assisted therapy, art and music expression are some of the tools available for treatment.
Support in the form of rapid response throughout The Center’s district will provide “on-the-ground” screening and assessment services, along with forensic exams, when appropriate. The Center’s staff partners with law enforcement and other service providers to facilitate proper treatment and referrals for victims. A training and educational push will also accompany the opening of The Tower. “We want to make sure that law enforcement and other service providers know that we are here for these victims! We have done our homework and designed a program that will likely become a national model,” said Middleton.
“This is an exciting time for The Center and the clients we serve. We are proud to offer these services to those who fall victim to modern-day slavery. Together, we can change their lives,” stated Mike Byers, Board President. The Center for Violence Prevention was funded by the Victims of Crime Act federal grant through the Mississippi Department of Health’s Office Against Interpersonal Violence to open The Tower.
The Center has developed a wish list for items needed to furnish and operate the facility. This list can be found on The Center’s social media sites, and we are registered online at Best Buy and Bed, Bath, and Beyond under “CVP Tower.”
