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 Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded three grants totaling $118,207 to help victims of domestic violence in 12 west Alabama counties.

The grants will help two nonprofit organizations and a law enforcement unit in providing services to domestic violence victims and their families.

“For anyone facing the horrors of domestic violence, there is help available,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants to ensure that victims of these awful crimes can receive that help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

A $51,563 grant to the Pickens County Commission will continue to support the operations of the 24^thJudicial Circuit Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit that serves Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties. The unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases and is also focusing law enforcement and educational resources on the issue of stalking.

Two nonprofit organizations that serve domestic violence victims also received awards. Turning Point, which serves Bibb, Fayette, Hale, Lamar, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties, will receive a $42,588 grant, andSABRA Sanctuary, which serves Dallas, Green, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties, will receive a $24,056 grant. Both organizations provide safe shelter, a 24-hour help line, counseling, court advocacy and more.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Gov. Ivey understands the importance of ensuring that victims of domestic violence receive the utmost professional and caring support available, and ADECA is pleased to play a role in supporting that effort,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation development.