Federal grant awarded to help domestic violence victims in West Alabama

A federal grant has been awarded to help victims of domestic violence in Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties.

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the $8,875 grant to help ensure that victims of domestic violence receive help and services.

The grant to the Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse Sanctuary will be used to provide shelter, legal and other services in those three counties.

“Victims of domestic violence need a place where they can seek refuge and comfort from abusive relationships,” Gov. Ivey said. “The Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse Sanctuary is that place of refuge in Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. I appreciate the organization’s willingness to guide victims at a time when the next steps in their lives can often be uncertain.”

The Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse Sanctuary has been serving residents of the three counties since 1991 when it was formed as a collaboration of the Salvation Army and the District Attorney’s Office. It became an independent entity in 1994 but has maintained the same mission by providing free services to victims.

The award was made available to the state through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.

— Information from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey