MONTGOMERY– Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded grants totaling $326,578 to help ensure that local organizations that often have first contact with victims of domestic violence and rape are trained to respond adequately and appropriately to victims’ needs.
The Alabama Coalition Against Rape is using two grants totaling $181,578 to provide education programs at schools, churches, civic meetings and hospitals focusing on how to spot warning signs, prevent assaults and refer victims to receive the help they need. Training programs also help professionals understand and meet the special needs of elderly and disabled victims. The coalition supports 14 local programs that assist sexual assault victims across Alabama.
The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence will use a $145,000 grant to help local law enforcement agencies, health care organizations, courts and domestic violence shelters improve their response to domestic and dating violence as well as stalking. The coalition trains local staff to identify signs of domestic abuse and to help victims obtain needed assistance.
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, water resources management, job training and career development.
Bentley informed Traci Bynum, Alabama Coalition Against Rape board president, and Nancy Travis, Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence president, that the grants had been approved.
PRESS RELEASE-STATE OF ALABAMA
