MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants to boost the efforts of two specialized units that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in west Alabama.
A $54,000 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.
The Pickens County Commission will use a $52,000 grant for the 24th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit which investigates and prosecutes cases in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.
“These types of crimes cross all socioeconomic boundaries and tear families apart,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants to help provide assistance and justice to victims in need in west Alabama.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department.
“Gov. Ivey is a vocal advocate for crime victims, and these grants will be a helpful boost for these units as they investigate and prosecute abusers,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
Ivey notified Marion County Commission Chairman Bob Burleson and Pickens County Commission Chairman Mark Gray that the grants had been approved.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley