Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence/Alabama Coalition Against Rape
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $208,282 to help ensure victims of sexual assault and domestic violence have access to professional assistance through a network of local agencies.
The Alabama Coalition Against Rape, with a grant of $102,670, and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, with a grant of $105,612, are using funds to train the staffs of local law enforcement agencies, health care organizations, courts and domestic violence shelters to recognize the signs of abuse and respond more effectively to domestic and dating violence as well as stalking.
“Professionals who respond to sexual assault and domestic violence calls should be capable of providing the most up-to-date care and services possible to those in need,” Ivey said. “I commend the work being done by the coalitions and the local agencies to ensure victims get the professional help they need during such awful times.”
Services offered by the organizations include advocates to accompany victims to hospitals and legal proceedings as well as counseling and 24-hour crisis lines. Both organizations also conduct training programs to help investigators and health care professionals understand and meet the special needs of elderly and disabled victims.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resources management, job training and career development.
“Gov. Ivey and I fully support these organizations and the network agencies they work with throughout the state to provide vital help to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnership with the coalitions ensures that this level of assistance will continue to be available throughout the state.”
Ivey notified Chandra Brown, Alabama Coalition Against Rape board president, and Charles Whisenant, Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence board president, that the grants had been approved.
