Victim's Assistance

The Victim Assistance Coordinator ensures that victims’ rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. The Victim’s Assistance Coordinator works with the District Attorney and the Assistant District Attorneys during the entire criminal justice process to ensure victims are notified about the activity of the case and make sure the victims understand victims’ rights and have input into the process.

SOME DUTIES INCLUDE:

Keep victims updated on the progress of the case
Assist victims with referrals to social service agencies
Inform victims of financial assistance and assist in filing for victim compensation claims
Inform victims of any plea bargains and specific information pertaining to their case
Assist with victim impact statements
Assists in the transportation of victims to court
Provide courtroom orientation for victims and witnesses
Maintain a close working relationship with hospital personnel, law enforcement, and social service agencies
Attend Sexual Assault Response Team meetings
Attend child advocacy meetings
Attend monthly multi-disciplinary task force meetings
Assist in training law enforcement on updates regarding victims’ rights and social services available
Attend staff meetings and in-service training programs
Assist in speaking engagements

Victims’ Support Services

Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes

District Attorney Office, Victim Assistance Coordinator – 769-3045
Gulf Coast Women’s Center (Rape Crisis/ Domestic Violence) – 875-5433 / 435-1968
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

Alexa Roney – 475-6966
MS State Office – 1-800-368-6233

Survivors of Homicide Victims – 228-436-3809 -or- 1-800-800-1396
MS Coalition Against Sexual Assault – 1-888-987-9011
MS Coalition Against Domestic Violence – 1-800-898-3234
The Salvation Army
Domestic Violence (Pascagoula) – 762-8267
Attorney General Victim Services Division – 1-601-359-4144

Children Services

Child Abuse Prevention Center – 228-868-8686
South MS Child Advocacy Center – 228-868-8686
Jackson County Youth Court – 762-7370 -or- 769-3076

Child Protection

Department of Human Services – 769-3444 -or- 769-3446
MS Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-222-8000

Compensation for Violent Crimes

Crime Victims Compensation, Attorney General Office – 1-800-829-6766 -or- 1-601-359-6766

Mental Health

Singing River Services (Gautier) – 497-0690
Lucedale Office – 1-601-947-4274
Jackson County Chancery Court (Mental/Drug Commitment) – 769-3030

Elderly Services

Department of Human Services – 769-3444
Attorney General, Vulnerable Adult Division – 1-601-359-4250
MS Elderly Abuse Hotline (Statewide) – 1-800-222-8000
South MS Area Agency on Aging (District) – 1-800-444-8014

Emergency Food, Clothing, Shelter

The Salvation Army – 762-7222
The United Way Resource Center – 762-7662 -or- 762-8557
Our Daily Bread – 769-7510

Medical Care

Singing River Hospital – 809-500

(Revised 5/14/07)

Victim's Assistance Coordinator

La Shonda Mathis

LaShonda Mathis, MSW graduated from Moss Point High School in 1993, with an Advanced Diploma. She served in the United States Army for eight years. During her time in the military, LaShonda received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Overseas Service Medal. In 2002, she earned an Associate Degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. LaShonda also earned her Bachelor Degree in College of Education and Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2010 and a Master of Social Work Degree from Walden University in 2019. LaShonda has experience working and serving the community in the field of mental health. She has worked for Singing River Services Mental Health as a Case Manager and is certified through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. LaShonda has also worked for the Mississippi Department of Human Services in Jackson County as a Family Protection Worker. LaShonda and her family are members of Infinity Church The Apostolic Assembly, Biloxi, MS.