GFWC-MFWC President's Special Project

Frances H. Brown, President
2026-2028 Administration

Our Theme

"Be The Light"

Our Tagline

Rescuing & Restoring Survivors of Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking

Mississippi has one of the highest rates of intimate partner violence in the United States. It also has more incidents of human trafficking per capita than any other U.S. state.

According to a 2024 24-hour survey conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Mississippi domestic violence programs served 275 victims. Eighty-nine requests for services could not be fulfilled due to insufficient resources, funding, and/or staffing.

I have chosen the GFWC Signature Program: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking as the President’s Special Project (PSP) for this administration. The theme is “Be the Light.” The tagline will be: Rescuing and Restoring Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking.

To rescue means to free someone from confinement, danger, or evil. Domestic violence and human trafficking are evil. To restore means to bring someone back to a state of health and soundness of mind or to help regain something that has been stolen. Restoring health involves a combination of personalized medical care, lifestyle changes, and therapies designed to improve physical and mental well-being. The victims’ lives have been stolen from them. We want to help them not only regain their lives but also discover a new purpose.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs officially adopted Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention as its Signature Program in 2008, marking a nationwide commitment to addressing domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and community service projects. The eight areas of focus include campus sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking for sexual purposes, intimate partner violence, military sexual assault, teen dating violence, and violence against Native American women.

I encourage you to join me in raising funds to support survivors. All funds for the 2026–2028 President’s Special Project will remain in Mississippi. The Center for Violence Prevention is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking while serving those affected by acts of violence. We will be raising funds to provide dental care for survivors at the center.

There are many other needs across our state, and we will also support shelters in our area. While we may not be able to go undercover and rescue victims ourselves, we can support those who do, as well as those who provide recovery and restoration services.

I challenge you to join me in pleading the cause of those who feel they have no voice—those living in a dark world as victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. I challenge you to open your eyes to the devastation, open your ears to their cries for help, and open your hearts to “Be the Light” in their dark world by doing what we can to rescue and restore them.

 

Sincerely,

Frances H. Brown
GFWC-MFWC President
2026-2028

 

 

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