Kay Ivey awards grant to assist sexual assault victims statewide
The Ivey administration on Thursday announced a nearly $400 thousand grant to an Alabama-based sexual assault victim support group. The $390,972 grant was awarded to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape, a statewide nonprofit organization that assists victims of sexual violence and works to prevent others from being victimized. “It is very unfortunate that this crime exists, but we must face the reality that it does and that victims need access to professional aid,” Ivey said. “The Alabama Coalition Against Rape and its associate organizations have steadfastly been there to support victims and offer them the services they need to overcome their ordeals.” The Alabama Coalition Against Rape has been helping provide legal, medical and counseling services to victims throughout the state since 1995 and has been an advocate for laws and public policy regarding sexual abuse and rape. The coalition, made up of more than a dozen agencies that provide regional services for victims, also has sought to bring awareness of the crime through its educational programs. In addition, the coalition provides training for allied professionals and networks and maintains connections with other private and public agencies to address sexual violence issues. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting this program and ensuring victims are given appropriate resources to get their lives back in order,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “The support provided through the coalition’s member agencies are vital to achieving that goal.” Ivey notified Chandra Brown, coalition president, that funds had been approved.
Alabama goes teal to raise awareness of sexual violence
According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, every 98 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted. 1 in 6 American women and 1 in 33 American men have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape. What’s worse is approximately two out of three sexual assaults are not even reported to police. Sexual violence is a devastating national and statewide problem that impacts the lives of many women, men, and children each year. In Alabama, 5.4 rapes are reported daily. Which is why the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is partnering with the Alabama Coalition Against Rape (ACAR) to unveil “Alabama Goes Teal.” In conjunction with the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, “Alabama Goes Teal,” will endeavor to increase statewide awareness about sexual violence and to engage the general public regarding prevention options and victim services. On April 13, employees of ADPH and other Alabamians are invited to wear teal in observance of “Alabama Goes Teal.” “The observance is a great way to raise awareness, provide resources for help, and educate the community,” Kimberly Love, executive director of ACAR, said. “’Alabama Goes Teal” will be a reminder to victim survivors that they are not alone and a clarion call to the community that we must eradicate sexual violence in Alabama.” Help is available for victims of sexual violence. In addition to contacting a law enforcement agency and seeking help at a hospital, victims can contact one of the rape crisis centers in their area or call 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) to be connected to the nearest center.
