From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
Birmingham, AL – Jefferson County District Attorney Mike Anderton represented his office today at the One Heart in the Park event in Lynn Park.
The event, part of the 2018 National Crime Victims Rights week, was sponsored by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples, and 22 agencies.
“It was honored to be here today along with all of these people and organizations supporting the victims of violent crime and their families,” says District Attorney Anderton.
“I’m proud to say I have always been a strong advocate for victims rights here in Jefferson County. I was an early member of the Jefferson County chapter of VOCAL (Victims Of Crime And Leniency) because I realize just how important it is to support these people and their families as the offenders move through the criminal justice system.
Violent crimes increased in 2016 by 13% over 2015, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencies “Crime in Alabama” report. In 2016, there was an average of 69 violent crimes per day in Alabama.
District Attorney Anderton says, “Violent crime can leave scars that go beyond physical wounds. We owe it to the victims and their families to do what we can to help them recover.
“Events like One Heart in the Park are just one small way we can show them we care and are there for them. I intend to continue working to see justice done for the victims, their families, and all the people of Jefferson County as your District Attorney.”
Agencies participating in today’s event included the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’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.