Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.2 million in grants to three agencies that provide crucial services to survivors of domestic violence in 17 south Alabama counties.

“It is critically important that everyone affected by domestic violence has access to timely, compassionate and professional assistance,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these centers for their dedication to offering comprehensive support to victims and their families as they work to recover from abusive situations.”

The following agencies have received grants:

The House of Ruth has received two grants, including an $82,000 award to support the work of two court advocates who help victims navigate the criminal justice system. A $384,331 grant will support emergency shelter, counseling and other assistance the organization provides to victims in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.

Baldwin Family Violence Shelter, also known as The Lighthouse, has received two grants totaling $300,022 to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties.

Penelope House Inc. will use its two grants totaling $384,672 to provide a variety of services to victims and their children, including a children’s program and a child advocate. Penelope House serves Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering these grants from funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The services funded by these grants work to improve the lives of Alabama residents who are unfortunately impacted by domestic violence,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these community-based agencies.”

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