By Mary Claire Wooten

Ivey granted over $875,000 to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape for training and support services to improve victim assistance.

Governor Kay Ivey has awarded a statewide grant of just over $875,000 to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape to ensure that rape victims receive the essential care they need.

The grant will be used to provide training and technical assistance to first responders handling cases of rape and sexual assault and funding for the Coalition’s 15 member agencies. Their member agencies span all counties.  

“This grant will allow the Coalition to continue offering timely, professional and caring assistance to rape victims statewide,” Gov. Ivey said in a statement. “I am pleased to support this group in its mission to help victims heal and seek justice.”

The Montgomery-based organization works with its member agencies to offer training for medical and law enforcement professionals on handling sexual assault cases while also supporting victims. 

The coalition offers a range of services to victims, including a 24-hour hotline, direct referrals, counseling, crisis intervention and local advocacy in medical and criminal justice matters.

Kenneth Boswell, ADECA Director, said the coalition also supports law enforcement and medical professionals, as well as others who help with sexual assault and rape cases.

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending the coalition for providing essential services,” Boswell said in a statement.

The grant, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, comes from funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice.

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