MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $470,000 to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and prosecute offenders.
The governor awarded the grants to eight specialized units serving 13 counties. The units provide services, including court assistance, law enforcement training and education and public outreach.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault can inflict both physical and mental wounds that are slow to heal for victims and their families,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the specialized units in each of these counties for their commitment, dedication and bravery in holding offenders accountable and obtaining justice for victims.”
Gov. Ivey awarded the grants from funds supplied to the state through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting these law enforcement units as they help victims and prosecute offenders,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Those awarded grants are:
Calhoun County
The Seventh Judicial Circuit Domestic Crime Unit was awarded $45,600 to provide legal assistance to domestic violence victims and provide training to law enforcement officers in domestic violence matters. The grant was awarded to the Calhoun County Commission, which is serving as the unit’s fiscal agent.
Etowah County
The Etowah County Commission was awarded $45,000 on behalf of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office domestic violence unit. The unit investigates and prosecutes domestic violence and sexual assault cases.
Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties
The Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office was awarded $66,725 for the One Place of the Shoals Family Justice Center. The center is a centralized community service that aids victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape and child and elder abuse in the six counties.
Lawrence County
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department was awarded $60,118 to fund its domestic violence unit. The unit investigates and provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. The Lawrence County Commission is the grant’s fiscal agent.
Marion and Winston counties
The Marion County Commission was awarded $58,725 on behalf of the 25th Judicial Circuit Violence Against Women Act STOP program. The program investigates domestic violence cases, provides special training to law enforcement officers in the two counties and conducts education programs.
Marshall County
The Marshall County Commission was awarded $52,351 to provide a prosecutor in domestic violence and child abuse cases and assist victims with other needs.
Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties
The 24th Judicial Circuit’s Violence/Sexual Assault Unit received a $52,725 grant. The unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases and trains law enforcement officers on handling those cases in the three-county circuit. The Pickens County Commission is the fiscal agent for the grant.
Talladega County
The Talladega County Commission was awarded two grants totaling $88,000 on behalf of the 29th Judicial Circuit’s domestic violence crime unit. The unit provides legal assistance to victims and prosecutes offenders.
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 Contacts
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
