MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a total of $246,197 to target domestic violence and related crimes in many counties in south-central Alabama.
Grants were awarded to several domestic violence investigative units and a Montgomery-based center that will provide training to law enforcement officers in addition to offering support services to victims in seven counties.
“Domestic violence and related crimes have no place in our society,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for the work they do and the positive message they send when assisting those who have been abused as well as arresting and prosecuting offenders.”
The Montgomery County Violence Against Women Prosecution Unit was awarded $66,500 to continue investigating and prosecuting cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and similar crimes in the county.
The District Attorney’s Office in the 19th Judicial Circuit was awarded $85,500 to support a specialized unit that investigates and prosecutes domestic violence and sexually related cases in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties. The unit also teams up with local law enforcement agencies in its investigations.
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Department received $51,697 to provide additional training to deputies and upgrade its ability to investigate domestic violence and associated crimes.
The Montgomery Area Family Violence Program was awarded $43,000 to provide training to law enforcement officers and others relating to domestic violence and sex trafficking. In addition, the organization, also known as the Family Sunshine Center, provides shelter and other services to domestic violence victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.
“Gov. Ivey understands that offenders in domestic violence crimes and related crimes need to be held accountable,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These funds will help specific law enforcement units that target those who commit these types of crimes.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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