A unit dedicated to domestic violence cases in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties received a $152,600 grant from Gov. Robert Bentley to aid victims and prosecute abusers.
The 19th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Unit was created in 1996 to investigate and prosecute crimes against women. The unit consists of two assistant district attorneys, four investigators and three advocates. The advocates inform victims of services provided by the unit, prepare victims for court hearings, obtain assistance for victims from support organizations and ensure that proper aid is being provided.
“Families and individuals who experience the trauma of domestic violence deserve justice for the crimes committed against them,” Bentley said. “I commend the staff and organizations involved in the unit for their dedication to seeking justice and for helping victims throughout their ordeal.”
According to unit officials, domestic violence incidents have increased along with population growth.
The unit’s goals for the coming year include increasing the number of arrests for domestic violence crimes, providing domestic violence investigators to all law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction and monitoring the progress of victims and offenders after sentencing to ensure victims are not abused again.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice. Local matching funds of $50,867 have been committed to the unit.
Bentley notified Earl Reeves, Elmore County Commission chairman, that the grant had been approved.
Contact: Russell Sellers, Larry Childers