MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a total of $350,275 to support four agencies in north Alabama that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Each organization provides assistance programs, works to prevent further abuse and distributes educational materials to organizations in their local areas.

“Domestic violence victims always deserve access to professional help, and we must also work toward preventing further abuse,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for responding to victims and offering programs to prevent future abuse.”

Crisis Services of North Alabama Inc., based in Huntsville, is using $145,000 in grant funds to serve victims in Madison, Jackson, Limestone and Morgan counties. The agency provides shelter and related services in addition to conducting preventive educational programs for college and high school students. Matching funds of $36,250 will supplement the grant.

Safeplace Inc. of Florence is using $120,000 to continue its Peace and Harmony programs in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. Peace is an intervention program meant to hold abusers accountable and prevent further abuse. Harmony is a program to help those who have been abused from engaging in violence themselves through education and counseling. Matching funds of $30,000 will supplement the grant.

Victim Services of Cullman, which serves victims in Cullman County, was awarded $30,000 to work with offenders to help change their attitudes and patterns dealing with domestic violence. Matching funds of $7,500 will supplement the grant.

Domestic Violence Crisis Services in Albertville received $55,275 to serve Cherokee, DeKalb and Marshall counties. Funds will be used in domestic violence prevention services and to promote awareness through training, civic events, speaking engagements and other outreach activities. Matching funds of $13,818 will supplement the grant.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Gov. Ivey is dedicated to ensuring that victims continue to receive the services they need and that abusers are held accountable,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey to support these agencies.”

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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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley