MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey awarded about $2.3 million in grants on Monday to six different organizations that provide resources for adult and child victims of domestic violence.
“Violence against any individual is an abhorrent act, and offenders should be arrested and punished,” Ivey said in a statement.
“Victims, meanwhile, deserve to have access to services that support them through these terrible ordeals and helps heal the physical and mental scars they suffer. I am awarding these funds with confidence that these agencies will provide the essential assistance that these victims require.”
The funds come from federal dollars awarded to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice, and are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“ADECA is pleased to partner with Gov. Ivey and these agencies to help victims successfully overcome their ordeals and achieve normal and peaceful lives,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said Monday in a statement.
At $1.43 million, the majority of the $2.3 million was awarded to the Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates, a national nonprofit organization operating since 1973.
Alabama CASA serves as the parent organization for 15 local programs across Alabama. The agency uses funds to assist local programs in providing technical assistance, volunteer training and public awareness initiatives to help children who are victims of physical abuse and neglect, domestic violence or trafficking.
Other organizations awarded funds are:
Russell County Child Advocacy Center – $54,087
The Phenix City based organization provides advocacy, court accompaniment, support and more to child victims or adults who were victimized as children and reside in Russell County.
Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center – $172,387
Serving Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties, the Dothan-based group provides services and shelter to children involved in abuse cases and works with the criminal justice system to ensure offenders are prosecuted.
Montgomery Area Family Violence Program – $217,476
Also known as the Family Sunshine Center, the Montgomery based organization assists sexual assault victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties. The program offers support, safety service and works to have offenders prosecuted.
One Place of the Shoals – $96,000
Serving Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Winston counties, the Florence-based One Place provides emotional support, safety services and guides victims through the legal process including offender prosecution and victim compensation.
The House of Ruth – $365,114
The organization, serving Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties offers emotional support, safety services, shelter and housing for victims of domestic violence.