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ADECA

August 25, 2016
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Bentley grants to aid sexual assault victims in east Alabama
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MONTGOMERY—Sexual assault victims in Chambers, Lee, Macon and Tallapoosa counties will continue to have access to free, professional assistance thanks in part to two grants totaling $124,684 awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.

The grants are helping Opelika-based Rape Counselors of East Alabama continue operating a 24-hour crisis line, offering staff to accompany victims to the hospital and providing medical exams by nurses who are specially trained to handle sexual assault cases.

“Victims of sexual assault deserve to have access to immediate professional care,” Bentley said. “The staff and volunteers of Rape Counselors of East Alabama are compassionate and supportive, and I commend them for the good work they continue to do.”

The organization also conducts training to help law enforcement officers and hospital nurses understand and respond to the needs of sexual assault victims.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is managing the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA manages a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resource management, job training and career development.

“ADECA’s strong partnerships with organizations like Rape Counselors of East Alabama helps ensure that those who suffer the traumatic effects of abuse get the help they need to begin the recovery process,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “The organization has provided invaluable services to victims in their coverage area.”

Bentley notified Steve Martin, Rape Counselors of East Alabama board president, that the grants had been approved. Matching funds of $23,071 are supplementing the awards.

In addition to grant funds, the organization depends on individual, private donations to ensure that a full range of services is always available to victims.

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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley


For more information, visit:  http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/