SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $22,101 grant to the Crenshaw County Commission to help continue the services of a full-time domestic violence investigator.

The investigator, a sheriff’s deputy assigned to investigate all domestic violence crimes in the county, works with the Domestic Violence Task Force and the Family Sunshine Center Shelter to ensure victims receive the necessary treatment, support and information about financial, legal and safety issues.

The deputy also conducts meetings to educate the public about signs of abuse and to increase awareness of medical treatment, legal aid and other available assistance.

“Domestic violence is a serious and intolerable crime that severely affects the lives of its victims,” Bentley said. “I commend the officials in Crenshaw County who are working to reduce domestic abuse and help victims obtain the justice they deserve.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, 90 domestic violence cases were reported in 2010. Without the grant, county officials say they could not afford a deputy assigned full-time to domestic violence crimes.

Bentley awarded the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award.

Bentley informed Rickey McElwain, chairman of the County Commission, that the grant had been approved.

Matching funds of $7,367 will supplement the award.