Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $175,706 to the University of Alabama to prevent sexual violence and provide support for female students at two college campuses in Tuscaloosa
The grant will enable the university’s Women & Gender Resource Center to continue Project HOPE, a program to help victims of sexual assault and domestic or dating violence. The program is for students, staff and faculty at UA and nearby Shelton State Community College. The center conducts education programs aimed at preventing sexual assaults from occurring.
“College should be a time of gaining knowledge, cheering your school’s colors, and making positive memories,” Ivey said. “I hope no student in Tuscaloosa or anywhere is a victim of sexual assault, but I am comforted to know the Women’s Resource Center is available to those who need its services.”
The program provides a 24-hour crisis telephone service, accompaniment of victims to medical facilities, referrals for safe housing and services, and prosecution support.
Ivey notified Cynthia Hope, director of sponsored programs, that the grant had been approved from funds made available to the state through a program of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“Gov. Ivey understands that access to professional assistance is essential to helping abuse victims take the first steps toward recovery,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins her to ensure that this assistance remains available to students who need it.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley