By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Victims of domestic abuse in Escambia County can be assured of continued support and justice, thanks to a grant awarded to the local Domestic Violence Task Force Unit from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community affairs.
The $82,205 grant provides nearly half of the funding needed to meet the budget of the Escambia County Domestic Violence Task Force Unit, County Administrator Tony Sanks said.
Sanks said the grant is an annual award that saw a cut of several thousand dollars for the 2009 fiscal year.
In the announcement of the grant award, Gov. Bob Riley praised the unit and vowed to continue to support victims of domestic violence.
The unit's court advocate supports victims during court proceedings and refers them to job training agencies, stress management programs and other available assistance.
The unit also works closely with law enforcement agencies throughout the county as well as health care providers and community organizations to coordinate services for victims of domestic violence.
A series of training sessions for law enforcement officers, investigators, probation officers and court personnel are also presented by unit officers in regard to domestic violence laws, prosecution polices and proper initial response to domestic violence situations.
Riley said the grants have been awarded from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department and would be administered by ADECA.