Special to the
Opelika Observer
Gov. Kay Ivey announced last week the awarding of a $6.3 million state grant that will allow Alabama District Attorneys to hire 88 certified Victim Service Officers to assist victims of crime.
During a news conference last week, Ivey noted the need for more assistance for crime victims.
“The criminal justice system can seem intimidating to people who have been victims of crime. I am pleased to support this program, which will provide knowledgeable professionals to help crime victims understand the court process and ensure that victims are aware of other community resources that may further assist them,” Ivey said.
Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes utilized this grant to hire a Victim Services Coordinator to assist crime victims in navigating the criminal justice system.
“Being the victim of a crime is often the most traumatic event a person will experience so our priority from day one is to provide whatever assistance we can to support them through the criminal justice process. This is done through our victim services team led by Alex Mullins, our new Victim Services Coordinator,” Hughes said. “This is a tremendous opportunity to have a person in our office whose sole responsibility is to communicate with and comfort crime victims and their families. A crime victim in Lee County should never waiver in their belief that we stand with them as we seek justice on their behalf. I would like to personally thank Governor Ivey for providing this generous and groundbreaking grant opportunity. I am grateful for her dedication to Alabama’s crime victims and know the positive effects of this initiative will be felt for years to come.”
“I am honored to be able to assist crime victims and their families by guiding them through the judicial process. They deserve to understand their rights and know that our office supports them every step of the way,” Mullins said.
For more information, call 334-737-3446 or send emails to bhughes@leecountyda.org.