MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $131,000 in grants to three agencies in southwest Alabama to combat domestic violence while assisting victims.
Grants will be used to support efforts to arrest and prosecute domestic violence offenders, to train officers and others on procedures when responding to calls involving domestic violence and to ensure that domestic violence victims are provided resources to escape volatile situations.
“Domestic violence has no place in society because of the harm done to victims,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants will help provide funds necessary to ensure those who commit these offenses are punished and those who are victims have a safe place to turn.”
The Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. was awarded $44,558 for community outreach programs and to promote domestic violence awareness in Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties. Additionally, the center will conduct training among law enforcement agencies, medical personnel and others to benefit victims.
The Baldwin Family Violence Shelter (The Lighthouse) was awarded $33,000 to establish the Lighthouse Court Advocacy Program which helps guide domestic violence victims through the judicial system when prosecuting offenders. The agency which serves Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties, also provides a crisis hotline and shelter for victims.
The Escambia County Commission was awarded $53,200 to continue to fund the county’s domestic violence crime unit. The unit investigates and prosecutes domestic violence cases and works with victim service organizations to ensure victims receive needed care.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting these agencies and the services they provide to help victims and to assist in prosecuting abusers, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
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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Media
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
