Gov. Kay Ivey announced the awarding of a $6.3 million grant that will allow Alabama district attorneys to hire 88 certified victim service officers to assist victims of crime and their families on Friday.
Certified victim service officers assist victims by seeking counseling, providing information about rights and resources, comforting and assisting them through the judicial process.
Ivey mentioned the need for more assistance for crime victims at a news conference in the Old House Chamber.
“The criminal justice system can seem intimidating to people who have been victims of crime,” Ivey said, per a release. “I am pleased to support this program, which will provide knowledgeable professionals to help crime victims understand the court process and ensure that they are aware of other community resources that may further assist them.”
The grant, which was awarded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to the Alabama Office of Prosecution Services (OPS), provides support for the state’s district attorneys. Representatives from ADECA, OPS and the Alabama District Attorneys Association accompanied Ivey at the conference.
“This grant is a major benefit for victims, victims’ families and district attorneys across Alabama,” said Tom Anderson, district attorney for Coffee and Pike counties and president of the Alabama District Attorneys Association. “In some circuits where money for victim assistance is especially tight, it is a real game-changer. Victims of crimes and their families will have someone in DA offices to both comfort them and assist them through the process of obtaining justice. We are extremely grateful to the governor, ADECA and everyone who assisted in making this grant possible.”
Barry Matson, executive director of the Office of Prosecution Services and the Alabama District Attorneys Association, all 42 district attorneys in Alabama will receive funds from the grant to pay certified victim service officers.
“District Attorneys identified providing more direct services to victims as a priority. No one chooses to be a victim of crime. Through criminal and often violent acts of others, victims are forced into a vast and intimidating criminal justice system,” Matson said. “District attorneys, though challenged by meager resources, have long stood with victims of crime. With tens of thousands of felonies a year, it has proved daunting.”
Matson said the increase in crime over recent years has increased the need for victim assistance.
Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris.
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