Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday she has awarded five grants totaling $577,607 to assist victims, pursue offenders, train court officials and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
“The victims of these crimes are especially vulnerable and require compassionate assistance. In addition, all those involved in bringing perpetrators to justice should be thoroughly trained on handling these cases,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds supporting the groups and individuals working on behalf of the people impacted by these crimes.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants with funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“The programs funded by these grants offer a wide variety of essential services,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of those dedicated to helping victims every step of the way.”
Below are the agencies receiving grants.
- The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts – $120,387 to educate judicial officials, employees and others on proper handling of domestic violence cases. The office will assist court officials with expanding automated systems linking police, prosecutors and courts.
- Covenant Rescue Group – $335,000 for this Gardendale-based non-profit organization to train law enforcement and assist with sting operations in human trafficking cases statewide.
- Calhoun County Commission – $40,000 for the Family Violence Trial Division of the Seventh Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. The division assists domestic violence victims in Calhoun and Cleburne counties with filing protection from abuse orders, offers court accompaniment and provides referrals to other agencies.
- Crisis Center Inc. – $53,110 for services including forensic exams, evidence collection, crisis counseling, medical advocacy and legal advocacy for victims of sexual violence in Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair and Walker counties.
- SAN, better known as Turning Point – $29,110 to provide a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal information and other services to domestic violence victims in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
