Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $291,402 to help provide training and resources that ensure victims of domestic violence have access to professional assistance through local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies.
The Alabama Office of Prosecution Services will use funds of $133,000 to continue the Domestic Violence Resource Prosecutor Program which offers law enforcement officers, prosecutors, domestic violence shelter staff and other criminal justice agencies training statewide.
The Alabama Coalition Against Rape, with a grant of $83,000, and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, with a grant of $75,402, are using funds to train the staffs of local law enforcement agencies, health care organizations, courts and domestic violence shelters to recognize the signs of abuse and respond more effectively to domestic and dating violence as well as sexual assault.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault affect too many Alabamians, and those investigating cases or helping victims should have access to top-notch training when needed,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support this program which will help investigators, prosecutors, shelter staff and, most importantly, victims.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation and water resources management.
“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s dedication to helping victims of domestic abuse by making sure those who are trying to help them have the best training and resources available,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Ivey notified Melissa Sawyer, Alabama Coalition Against Rape board president; Rachel Hackworth, Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence board president; and Barry Matson, Office of Prosecution Services executive director, that the grants had been approved.
