MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $144,000 to assist law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations in domestic violence investigations and helping victims recover.

The state Office of Prosecution Services will use funds to train police in handling domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The office will also work with domestic violence agencies on how to meet the needs of victims who require their services.

“Domestic violence and assaults are incomprehensible crimes that must be curtailed,” Ivey said. “This training will hold offenders accountable for their crimes and help victims take steps to overcome their horrific ordeals.”

The Office of Prosecution Services’ Domestic Violence Resource Prosecutor Program involves teaching law enforcement officials on how to respond, investigate and prosecute domestic violence offenders. The agency will also make available a specialized prosecutor to provide technical assistance in domestic violence cases.

Ivey notified Barry D. Matson, executive director of the Office of Prosecution Services, that the grant had been approved.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the program from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“ADECA is proud to join with Gov. Ivey, our law enforcement agencies and domestic violence centers in this effort,” 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.

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