Gov. Ivey awards three grants to aid domestic violence victims, train law enforcement

MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded three grants totaling just over $240,000 for law enforcement training and victim assistance in domestic violence cases.

“These funds will support victims from the initial investigations to prosecution and restitution,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants giving law enforcement much-needed resources to pursue domestic violence cases and assist survivors of domestic violence as their cases advance through the criminal justice system.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“The programs funded by these grants will help keep communities safe and support the pursuit of justice,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in recognizing the commendable work done by deputies and prosecutors in these sensitive cases.”

Below are the agencies receiving grants.

The Montgomery-based Office of Prosecution Services has received a $148,786 grant to provide assistance in the Alabama criminal and civil justice system to victims of domestic violence across the state.

The Etowah County Commission has received $53,065 for the Domestic Violence Unit of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office. The unit will use the funds to investigate complaints of domestic violence and sexual assault within the county.

The Chilton County Commission will use its $40,000 grant to train Chilton County deputies who investigate cases involving domestic violence, to establish a Victim Assistance Database and to further develop the Victim Services Unit, which assists domestic violence victims.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.