Programs serving sexual assault, domestic violence victims awarded funding

More programs serving victims of sexual assault and domestic violence have been awarded funding from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). 

Last week ADECA allocated $267,000 in total to programs assisting trafficking, sexual abuse and domestic violence victims, with several serving the Black Belt. 

“These funds will support programs that provide critical services to crime victims and help investigate and prosecute offenders,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “I am pleased to award these grants that will help victims recover and take important steps toward rebuilding their lives.”

$673,000 in total was spared to multiple nonprofits and county governments to help victims of the same crimes. 

See a list for those that server Black Belt communities. 

Rape Counselors of East Alabama: $26,110 for a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention counseling and long-term support for victims of sexual assault and human trafficking in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Tuscaloosa SAFE Center: $54,610 for forensic exams, case management and therapy for victims of sexual violence in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

SAN Inc., AKA Turning Point: $39,610 for emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, a 24-hour crisis line and follow-up services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

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Montgomery Area Family Violence Program, AKA Family Sunshine Center: $52,110 for shelter, counseling and advocacy in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.

Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse (SABRA) Sanctuary: $16,350 for community education, crisis intervention, case management and other services to domestic violence victims in Dallas, Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties.

Pickens County Commission: $57,710 for the 24th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit providing specialized training to law enforcement officers, investigative services and other resources in domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.

Domestic Violence Intervention Center: $28,110 for emergency shelter, outreach and education, support groups, child advocacy, legal advocacy and counseling to domestic violence victims in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.

Legal Services Alabama: $54,243 to hire an attorney and project manager for Project Leviticus providing legal counsel to domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Pike counties.

Columbus Alliance for Battered Women AKA Hope Harbour: $13,460 for legal advocacy and crisis intervention to domestic violence victims in Russell County.

Montgomery County Commission: $77,710 for the District Attorney’s Family Justice Unit providing a designated Deputy District Attorney to prosecute cases that involve violence against women within the county.

“These awful crimes can be especially damaging to victims, and the cases often require special skills and knowledge,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending efforts to assist victims and prevent future offenses.”