MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded two grants totaling $32,002 to two nonprofit organizations that help meet the needs of victims of domestic violence and rape.
A $17,002 grant to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and a $15,000 grant to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape will help the agencies conduct training to help police, medical personnel and court staff identify the signs of domestic violence and rape.
“Helping victims of rape and domestic violence starts with being able to spot the signs of abuse,” Bentley said. “I commend both coalitions for their efforts to reduce the number of domestic violence and rape cases in our state and to aid those who have been victimized.”
Police departments, courts and agencies register for the training through the coalitions. Instructive presentations are delivered by staff members who have more than 40 years of combined experience in domestic violence and sexual assault investigation. Local, regional and statewide level training is offered and many victims’ shelters participate to increase awareness about their services.
The Coalition Against Domestic Violence serves victims through 19 shelter programs around the state that provide safe, emergency shelter for victims and their children. The coalition also provides a 24-hour toll-free crisis line at (800)650-6522.
Rape victims can receive help from various Coalition Against Rape member crisis centers throughout Alabama which are listed at www.acar.org.
Bentley awarded the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award. Local matching funds totaling $10,667 will supplement the grants.
Bentley informed Nancy Travis, ACADV president, and Traci Bynum, ACAR president, that the grants had been approved.
Contact: Russell Sellers, Larry Childers