Special to the Advance

A $303,972 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley is helping local agencies and organizations provide more comprehensive services to sexual assault victims in Alabama.

The Alabama Coalition Against Sexual Violence is using grant funds to support 14 programs across the state that offer emergency shelter and operate rape crisis centers and 24-hour hotlines. The organizations also conduct education programs at schools, churches, civic clubs and hospitals focusing on how to spot the warning signs of sexual abuse, prevent assaults and refer victims to receive the help they need.

“Sexual assault has devastating effects that go far beyond the crime itself,” Bentley said. “I commend the coalition and the agencies it supports for helping and comforting victims and their families and working to reduce the number of sexual assaults in our state.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resources management, job training and career development.

Bentley informed Jan Preslar, president of the coalition’s board, that the grant had been approved.