Violence Against Women Division
Violence against women is a national crisis. In the United States:
- Nearly 1 in 4 women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 6 women have experienced psychological aggression.
- Over 47% of women report experiencing sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
- Nearly half of all female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
In response to these alarming statistics, the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office established the Violence Against Women Division— a specialized unit dedicated to investigating and prosecuting domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other gender-based crimes.
What We Do
The Division is led by a seasoned prosecutor experienced in trying cases involving violence against women. The team includes:
- A specialized investigator to support evidence gathering
- Close coordination with law enforcement from the point of arrest
- Victim-centered case management from investigation through sentencing
The Division prosecutes all qualifying cases involving women as victims of violent crime, including:
- Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse
- Sexual assault and rape
- Stalking (including cyberstalking)
- Coercive control and psychological abuse
- Technological abuse and surveillance
- Homicide and attempted homicide
Each case is individually assessed, presented to the Grand Jury when appropriate, and pursued through trial or negotiated plea with survivor safety and justice as the priority.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. It can take many forms:
Forms of Abuse
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, biting, or denying medical care.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or coercion, including marital rape.
- Emotional Abuse: Verbal attacks, gaslighting, humiliation, or parental alienation.
- Economic Abuse: Restricting access to income, employment, credit, or property.
- Psychological Abuse: Threats, intimidation, isolation, or destruction of property.
- Technological Abuse: Using digital tools to harass, stalk, impersonate, or monitor a victim.
The Violence Against Women Division works with survivors to document abuse, build strong cases, and connect victims to services throughout the legal process.
Sexual Violence Prosecution
Sexual violence disproportionately affects women and often includes crimes against their children. Prosecuting these cases requires sensitive, evidence-driven strategies.
Prosecutors have Training in the following:
- Sexual Assault Response Protocols (SART)
- Forensic evidence collection, including the role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)
- Coordinating with social workers, treating physicians, and hospitals
- DNA collection, testing, and expert interpretation
- Including STR and Y-STR testing
- Using DNA reports as persuasive courtroom evidence
The team is committed to ensuring survivors are believed, supported, and empowered, while delivering accountability for perpetrators.
Victim Support Services
Survivors of violence are never alone. The Division is supported by Victim Assistance Coordinators (VACs) who:
- Provide emotional support and case updates
- Help navigate court proceedings
- Connect victims with local service providers, including:
- Rape Crisis Center
- Catholic Charities
- Mission First (Mississippi College School of Law)
- Hinds County Legal Services
- Local churches and faith-based organizations
Contact the Division
If you need help, we’re here for you.
Assistant District Attorney Gwen Agho
Email: gagho@co.hinds.ms.us
Phone: (601) 968-6568
Emergency Contacts
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Helpful Hotlines:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Mississippi Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-222-8000
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453