Four West Alabama organizations are among fifteen such groups throughout Alabama sharing $673,000 in grant funds awarded by Governor Ivey to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the funding made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In a press release announcing the disbursement of the grant money, Ivey said the money was critical to the assistance of victims. “These funds will support programs that provide critical services to crime victims and help investigate and prosecute offenders,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants that will help victims recover and take important steps toward rebuilding their lives.”
The funds will be distributed as follows:
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San, Inc. (Turning Point) will receive $39,610 to provide emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, a 24-hour crisis line and follow-up services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The agency serves Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties.
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Tuscaloosa Safe Center will receive $54,610 for forensic exams, case management, and therapy for victims of sexual violence. The group serves Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties.
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Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse (SABRA) Sanctuary will be allocated $16,350 to provide community education, crisis intervention, case management, and other services to victims in Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter, Dallas, and Wilcox counties.
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Pickens County Commission will receive $57,710 for the 24th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit. The unit provides specialized training for law enforcement officers and performs investigative services in Fayette, Lamar, and Pickens counties.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell says the funds will assist in providing special skills and knowledge “to assist victims and prevent future offenses.”
