MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $333,000 to assist victims of domestic violence while ensuring that those committing the crimes are held accountable.
Funds are being provided to agencies that provide shelter and other services for victims and to law enforcement agencies that work to arrest offenders and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Domestic and sexual violence are serious offenses that can destroy lives and leave long-lasting mental scars,” Ivey said. “I am so appreciative of the organizations that help victims and our law enforcement agencies that work tirelessly to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”
Ivey awarded the following grants:
Montgomery Area Family Violence Program ($40,083) – Also known as the Family Sunshine Center, the agency provides shelter and other services to help victims a 10-county region including Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry and Wilcox counties. The center also conducts awareness training and educational programs.
Lighthouse Counseling Center Inc. ($10,906) – Funds will be used to assist those who have been traumatized by domestic abuse and sexual assault including hospital accompaniment, providing sexual assault units and specialized nurses, counseling and legal advocacy. Lighthouse serves Autauga, Butler, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry and Wilcox counties.
Montgomery County Commission ($91,563) – Funds will be used to support the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Violence Against Women Prosecution Unit which is aimed at preventing sexual assault and prosecuting offenders.
Elmore County Commission ($153,583) - Funds will be used by the District Attorney’s Office in the 19th Judicial Circuit to arrest and prosecute sexual assault and domestic violence offenders in Autauga, Elmore and Chilton counties.
Crenshaw County Commission ($37,172) – The Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Office will use funds to provide special resources toward investigating domestic violence offenses and arresting offenders. The office works with the victims and several advocacy groups to ensure services are provided. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office conducts educational and awareness programs.
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. While the grants provide an important resource to the service agencies, they still rely heavily on locally generated donations to operate.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to working with these agencies to help victims overcome abusive situations,” 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. < p align="center">-30-
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