Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday the award of more than $4.3 million to help reduce domestic violence and aid victims. Organizations in 19 counties primarily in the south central region of the state will receive funding for efforts focused on reducing the impact of domestic violence.

The Selma and Black Belt Regional Abuse (SABRA) Sanctuary will receive two grants totaling $182,415 for services which include providing safe shelter and housing, emotional and legal support and other victim services in Dallas, Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties.

In a Nov. 27 release, Ivey pointed out the wide range of people impacted by violent domestic crimes.

“Domestic violence is a crime that affects people of all walks of life, and it does not discriminate,” Gov. Ivey said. “These four agencies provide victims with a path toward overcoming the mental and physical pain caused by these abusive acts.”

Three other agencies are receiving the awards designed to bring awareness through education and to providing shelter, intervention and other victim services at no cost to individuals or their families. 

• Montgomery Area Family Violence Program, the Sunshine Center, is receiving two grant awards totaling $875,644 for victim services in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties;
• Domestic Violence Intervention Center of Opelika was awarded two grants totaling $261,763 for victims in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties; and
• Columbus Alliance for Battered Women, Inc. (Hope Harbour) will receive two grants totaling $117,535 to provide services in Russell County.

Funds are administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and made available by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

“Gov. Ivey is dedicated to ensuring that victims wanting to escape from the brutality of domestic abuse have a way out and a way to rebuild their lives,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting these agencies in their efforts to assist victims of domestic violence.”

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