Alabama gets $1.5M in DOJ grants for domestic violence, human trafficking cases

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - More than $1.5 million in grants will go toward helping Alabama in the fight against domestic violence and human trafficking, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office announced Tuesday.

The grants, made available through the U.S. Department of Justice, will go to six statewide programs.

“These grants will have positive impacts across the state, helping keep our communities safe by improving the ability of criminal justice agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes and by offering safe haven and professional guidance to crime victims looking to rebuild their lives,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support the missions of these programs and commend those who perform this important work throughout the state.”

The organizations that will receive the grants include:

Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences – $278,571 for equipment that will help analyze opioid and other synthetic drug cases.

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - $81,549 to educate judicial officials, employees and other stakeholders on the causes and consequences of domestic violence to help them better serve victims.

Office of Prosecution Services - $150,000 to implement the Domestic Violence Resource Prosecutor Program, which will train law enforcement, prosecutors, domestic violence shelter staff members and other agencies that deal with domestic violence cases.

Alabama Coalition Against Rape Inc. - $135,000 to train law enforcement, advocates, medical personnel and other first responders and to provide services to victims of sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, stalking and harassment.

Camille Place - $50,110 to provide housing, therapy, education and guidance to victims of human trafficking.

Covenant Rescue Group - $335,000 to train law enforcement and assist with sting operations in human trafficking and child exploitation cases.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been update to clarify the amount granted to Camille Place. The Governor’s office initially stated the amount was $550,110.

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