FROM STAFF REPORTS 

MONTGOMERY — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $240,000 to four agencies in central Alabama that provide services to victims of domestic violence and prosecute offenders.

“Domestic violence and sexual abuse are horrendous crimes that destroy lives and tear apart families,” Ivey said. “I am thankful for these agencies that provide different, but essential services tailored toward assisting victims and prosecuting abusers.”

Ivey awarded the following grants:

-YWCA Central Alabama ($45,697) – YWCA will use the funds to provide shelter and supportive services to victims of domestic violence in Jefferson, Blount and St. Clair counties.

-Safehouse of Shelby County ($30,650) – Safehouse will use funds to continue providing safe shelter, advocacy services and crisis intervention for victims in Shelby, Clay, Coosa and Chilton counties.

-Jefferson County Bessemer Division Prosecution Unit ($91,563) – Funds will be used to investigate and prosecute domestic violence offenders and guide victims to service agencies that can provide housing and other support.

-City of Birmingham ($59,404) – The Birmingham Municipal Court will use funds to determine handling of defendants before pre-trial appearances.

-Irondale Police Department ($13,165) – The city will use funds to investigate domestic violence cases and ensure victims are directed to proper services.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice. Each of the non-profit agencies also rely heavily on locally generated contributions.

“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to working with these agencies to help victims overcome abusive situations,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

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