MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $164,264 to help two municipalities and a nonprofit organization in Jefferson County continue providing services to domestic violence victims.
“Those who have suffered from abuse deserve justice for the crimes committed against them,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the work of the staff members of these organizations who are dedicated to helping those who’ve been victimized and are working to make sure those responsible face consequences for their actions.”
A $90,000 grant will enable The Bessemer Cut-Off Advocacy Center to continue the Bessemer Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit. The unit supports victims of domestic violence who are involved in the criminal justice system and collaborates with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure they receive support while holding abusers responsible for their actions. Local matching funds of $30,000 will supplement the grant.
The city of Birmingham through the Birmingham Municipal Court is using funds of $59,356 to determine handling of defendants before pre-trial appearances. Local matching funds of $19,785 will supplement the grant.
A $14,907 grant will help the city of Irondale purchase cameras and accessories to collect evidence for prosecution in domestic violence cases and provide community resources to victims such as referrals and guidance with court dates. Matching funds of $4,969 will supplement the grant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA share a commitment to helping organizations that provide services for victims of domestic violence and work diligently to prosecute abusers,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Our partnerships help to protect victims from further abuse and allow continued access to vital care and assistance.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
Gov. Ivey notified District Attorney Lynneice Washington of Bessemer, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Irondale Mayor Charles Moore that the grants had been approved.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley