MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $260,000 to five agencies in north Alabama to continue efforts against domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The agencies will use the funds to provide safe shelter for victims, to investigate and arrest offenders and to present awareness programs to curtail abuse and assaults.
“Domestic violence and sexual abuse are horrendous crimes that destroy lives and harm families,” Ivey said. “I am thankful for these agencies that provide different, but essential services tailored toward assisting victims and prosecuting abusers.”
Ivey awarded the following grants:
Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office ($74,574) – Funds will be used to help operate One Place of the Shoals, a multi-purpose service agency that provides aid to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.
Lawrence County Commission ($89,000)- The Lawrence County Domestic Violence Unit will continue to investigate domestic violence crimes including responding to calls, directing victims to help agencies and collecting evidence and prosecuting offenders.
Marion County Commission ($51,563)- The Marion County Domestic Violence Unit will continue to investigate and prosecute offenders in Marion and Winston counties.
Victim Services of Cullman ($8,791) – The agency will support a program to work to rehabilitate offenders and help them have healthy relationships. Ivey has previously allocated other grants to Victims Services.
Safeplace Inc. ($37,492) – The Florence-based agency will use funds to provide free shelter, counseling and support groups and legal assistance with an agency attorney for victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. Ivey earlier awarded an $802,845 grant to agency.
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. Each of the non-profit agencies also rely heavily on locally generated contributions.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley