By By Janet Little-Cooper and Lisa Tindell-news writers
Domestic violence cases in Escambia County stand a better chance of being prosecuted these days.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley recently announced a $91,136 grant awarded to the specialized Domestic Violence Crime Unit.
The domestic violence unit employs one specially trained prosecutor and two investigators in charge of domestic violence cases in the county.
With more and more cases of domestic violence reported in Escambia County, the funds from the grant are a much needed portion of the budget.
Cain, who completed four years of school training for the advocate position, says that the department sees about 68 victims of abuse a month and out of those she appears with at least 25 a month.
The unit also provides training for law enforcement officers, investigators, probation officers and court personnel regarding domestic violence laws, prosecution policies and proper initial response to domestic violence situations.
Riley awarded the grant from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the award. Riley notified David Stokes, chairman of the Escambia County Commission, that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $30,378 will supplement the award from several different county agencies.