Story by: Jason Morton

A series of grants have been awarded to aid domestic violence victims in Tuscaloosa and 11 other West Alabama counties.

Announced Friday by Gov. Kay Ivey, these three grants total $118,207.

“For anyone facing the horrors of domestic violence, there is help available,” Ivey said in a press release announcing the funds. “I am pleased to award these grants to ensure that victims of these awful crimes can receive that help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The grants will go toward two nonprofit organizations and a law enforcement unit in providing services to domestic violence victims and their families.

Turning Point, which began in Tuscaloosa County in 1979 and now serves the additional counties of Bibb, Fayette, Hale, Lamar and Pickens, will receive a $42,588 grant.

Selma-based SABRA Sanctuary, which serves Dallas, Green, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties, will receive a $24,056 grant.

Both of these organizations provide safe shelter, a 24-hour help line, counseling and court advocacy, among other services.

The largest grant — $51,563 — is going to the Pickens County Commission to continue its support of the operations of the 24th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit that serves Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.

This unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases and is also focusing law enforcement and educational resources on the issue of stalking.

These grants are administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.

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

“Gov. Ivey understands the importance of ensuring that victims of domestic violence receive the utmost professional and caring support available,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, “and ADECA is pleased to play a role in supporting that effort.”

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