Airmen from The Mississippi Air National Guard 186th Air Refueling Wing and Key Field, Meridian Police Department, Wesley House, Naval Air Station Meridian and more marked National Crime Victims Week with the dedication of a new birdhouse at Planet Playground on Monday.

 

The annual observance is a time to both recognize those who have been victims of crimes, as well as raise awareness in the community, highlight resources and work to make victims know that help is available. In previous years, the group of partner agencies has dedicated a magnolia tree and a bench at Planet Playground in addition to the birdhouse installed Monday.

 

Diana Shields, sexual assault response coordinator for the Key Field Air National Guard Wing Care Team, said April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month as well.

 

“We thought, ‘What better way of honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month than to follow their call for action honoring this year’s theme of kinship,’” she said. “Kinship is represented by all our wonderful supportive services providers and the way we support victims of sexual violence, child abuse and other crimes.”

 

Shields said this year’s dedication of a birdhouse is fitting as local organizations come together to mend the broken wings of those who have been victims of abuse, sexual violence or some other criminal offense.

 

“It’s together how we help mend their broken wings and help them survive,” she said. “So just adding this birdhouse seemed like the most appropriate way to highlight this kinship.”

 

Meridian Police Department Det. Chanetta Stevens said victims support organizations in Meridian do a lot for law enforcement as well, as officers don’t always have the connections, knowledge and resources to get crime victims the help they need. With a few phone calls, however, officers can connect victims with these community organizations that can help in ways law enforcement cannot, she said.

 

“So, I’m very appreciative on behalf of the police department because without you guys we wouldn’t have a clue where to redirect these people in a positive way and get them somewhere where they need to be,” she said.