Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $2.7 million to ensure victims of domestic violence in six northwest Alabama counties – including Franklin – are afforded adequate care and support to help them escape difficult situations.

The grant to Safeplace Inc. of Florence will provide shelter and other services for victims in Franklin as well as Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.

“Domestic violence is a reprehensible crime that affects every segment of society,” Ivey said. “I am thankful for organizations like Safeplace that assist victims through these troubled times.”

Safeplace operates two domestic violence shelters to shield victims from further abuse, and it has six outreach locations where victims receive counseling, legal services, court advocacy and additional support to help them through their crisis.

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

“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to helping victims receive the services and guidance they need to recover from abuse,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.

Ivey notified Safeplace Board President Phil Moss that the grant had been approved.