Governor sends grant to combat domestic violence in north Alabama

MONTGOMERY — North Alabama continues to reap a recent financial windfall in the form of
grants awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey, this time with funds aimed at curbing domestic violence.

Ivey, who announced two grants to aid Lawrence County within the past two months, continued to funnel finances to the region with the announcement Thursday that $110,000 was being earmarked for programs based in Lauderdale County that are designed to help reduce domestic violence in north Alabama.

Safeplace of Florence will use funds for programs that assist victims and hold domestic
violence offenders accountable for their actions while also helping them understand and control their abusive behavior. Safeplace provides its services for residents in Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.

“Domestic violence is an all-too-common crime that destroys families and ruins lives,” Ivey said. “The staff at Safeplace is to be commended for sheltering victims from further harm while also helping them hold offenders accountable for their actions. What’s more, these funds will enable Safeplace to continue administering rehabilitative programs to help those who commit violent acts to overcome their negative behaviors.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the
grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. The last two grants came from funds the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is also governed by ADECA, to benefit construction of a solar panel plant and a school technical center.

Safeplace will use the recent grant to continue two programs relating to domestic violence. The Batterer Intervention Program provides an opportunity for abusers to confront their anger and abusive nature and change their behavior. The Harmony Program helps abuse victims who may also take on aggressive and other negative behaviors toward others because of their own abuse situations.

Safeplace also offers a 24-hour crisis hotline 256-767-6210 to help victims facing violent
situations or seeking to escape those environments. The organization maintains a shelter and offers additional services enabling victims to rebuild their lives.

“ADECA stands with Governor Ivey in her support of Safeplace and the programs they
administer to help victims of domestic violence,” 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.