Crime victims and survivors will be honored in an event set for Sunday at Birmingham's Linn Park.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale and 22 agencies will host "One Heart in the Park" on April 8. The event is part of the 2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Wanda Miller, a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office victim assistance officer, said the idea developed, in part, because of a desire to connect crime victims and members of the community with agencies and advocates that can provide assistance and services. "This occasion will emphasize how the crime victims' field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services and support, and how professionals, organizations and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims,'' Miller said.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's "Crime in Alabama" report, there were 25,188 violent crimes reported in Alabama in 2016, a 13 percent increase over 2015. On average, there were 69 violent crimes reported per day in 2016.
Those attending Sunday's event are encouraged to bring photographs of their loved ones who were victims of crime or create a personal statement about their own victimization. Miller said one area of the park will have space dedicated for the display.
Allison Dearing, executive director of One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, said it is critical for a community to support victims and survivors. "We are fortunate to have so many agencies in the Greater Birmingham area who seek to provide counseling, support groups, financial assistance, advocacy and other needed services to individuals and their families who have been impacted by crime,'' she said. "If timely connections are made to appropriate resources, we know that these services have the potential to impact victims of crime in a positive way, especially in the first days and weeks following victimization."
Among the agencies participating in the event are: U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General's Office, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, Bessemer District Attorney's Office, Crisis Center, One Place Family Justice Center, Junior League of Birmingham, HICA, YWCA, CAPS, Crime Victims Compensation, Birmingham Police Department, Magic City Acceptance Center, Oasis Counseling, Parents Against Violence, FBI, UAB Trauma Unit, Children's Of Alabama, VA Outreach, VOCAL and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.
"One Heart in the Park" will be held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the park, which is located at 710 20th Street North. The event is free and open to the public. There will be refreshments and live music.
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