MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded grants totaling $273,000 to two nonprofit agencies that support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence across the state.

The grants of $136,500 each to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence will help the organizations provide training for law enforcement, court personnel and prosecutors to better assist victims of these crimes.

The organizations also provide education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of the issues and the assistance available, and they also have a network of member crisis centers and shelters that provide help directly to victims.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault cases require special handling to ensure care for the victim and to ensure prosecution of the abuser or attacker,” Bentley said. “I commend the Alabama Coalition Against Rape and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence for their efforts to ensure the best help is available for victims of these horrible crimes.”