MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $115,000 to help provide training and resources that ensure victims of domestic violence have access to professional assistance through local law enforcement agencies and nonprofit groups.
The Administrative Office of Courts will use funds of $45,000 to continue the statewide Domestic Violence Skills Enhancement Project which offers education to court officials and employees on the causes and consequences of domestic violence. The goal of the training is to create consistency in the way domestic violence cases are handled statewide and to train at least 400 people, including law enforcement officers, within the next calendar year.
A grant of $70,000 will assist the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence in continuing 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 affects far too many Alabamians, and local law enforcement agencies and victim support groups must receive up-to-date training in order to best serve victims,” said Ivey. “These grant funds will be invaluable to ensure victims receive proper care and support in their recovery.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s dedication to assisting 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.
