MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $228,289 to assist the efforts of six specialized units and organizations that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in north Alabama.
“Domestic violence harms families and leaves lasting scars on victims and those close to them,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thankful for these agencies which intervene and help family members in north Alabama rebuild their lives.”
A $56,000 grant to the Marion County Commission will help fund the county’s Domestic Violence Recovery Program, providing a full-time investigator and two part-time prosecutors who specialize in domestic violence cases. The unit also serves Winston County. Matching funds of $18,667 will supplement the grant.
AshaKiran Inc. will use $40,000 in funds to continue offering culturally specific services to help domestic violence and sexual assault victims throughout the state. The organization will provide training and education to shelter programs, first responders and other professionals who work with victims in Madison, Limestone and Jackson counties.
A $60,235 grant will help Crisis Services of North Alabama continue its Forensic Nurse Examiner Program. The program ensures domestic violence victims receive forensic exams and follow-up care by specially trained nurses in Madison, Morgan, Jackson and Limestone counties.
Domestic Violence Crisis Services will use funds of $20,000 to continue providing shelter and financial assistance for victims seeking to break free of violent situations. The agency also maintains a 24-hour telephone call line, court advocacy and prevention programs. It serves victims in Cherokee, DeKalb and Marshall counties.
Safeplace Inc. of Florence will receive $37,000 to continue serving residents in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence and Marion counties. It offers several victims programs and provides training to law enforcement personnel and community groups as well as school-based violence-prevention-education programs.
Victims Services of Cullman Inc. will use $15,053 in funds to expand on current victim services and prevention education programs. It will also continue to provide training to law enforcement and conduct agency self-assessments. It serves Cullman and Winston counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are dedicated to ensuring that victims continue to receive the services and help they require,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
