MONTGOMERY– Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded two grants totaling $318,528 to help sexual assault victims in six northwest Alabama counties.

The grants to the Shoals Crisis Center, also known as Rape Response, will help fund a 24-hour crisis line, forensic exams, counseling and other services. Staff members also accompany victims to medical exams and court. The center serves Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.

“Free, professional help is available locally to victims of sexual assault 24 hours a day thanks to the efforts of the Shoals Crisis Center,” Bentley said. “I commend the staff of the center for their dedication to helping victims of this terrible crime.”

The funding also will assist the center in presenting programs to increase awareness of sexual assault and the assistance available to victims.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation.

“ADECA is proud to partner with the Shoals Crisis Center and similar nonprofit organizations around the state to help survivors of sexual assault,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “Through this partnership, these organizations are able to provide valuable assistance to help them take the first steps toward recovery.”

Along with grant funding, the center relies on private donations to ensure services remain available year-round.

Bentley notified Jennifer Keeton, the center’s board president, that the grants had been approved.

For more information on sexual assault, see this video ADECA produced for Sexual Assault Awareness Month: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbWrTAHbWX4. Contents of the video may be sensitive to those who have experienced sexual assault.

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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley