Gov. Bob Riley announced a $226,127 grant to the 19th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Unit to help continue the fight against domestic violence in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties. The unit is a branch of 19th Judicial Circuit district attorney's office.

"Domestic violence is a despicable act that cannot be ignored," Riley said. "I commend the members of the domestic violence unit for their efforts to reduce domestic violence and provide a legal voice for victims."

District Attorney Randall Houston said the money, which is part of a continuing grant from the federal Violence Against Women Act, will help pay the salaries of four deputies, two prosecutors and three victims services officers.

The unit provides specially trained investigators to work with police and deputies on domestic violence cases. Staff members also refer victims to area shelters and recommend other assistance.

In addition, two assistant district attorneys prosecute offenders in domestic violence cases, and the unit continues to track cases even after prosecution to deter repeat offenses against victims.

"They are there to help the victims any way they can," Houston said. "Sometimes, it's just to give than an ear."

Marjorie Baker, program director at The Sunshine Center in Montgomery, says her counselors work closely with the unit to get in touch with victims of domestic violence.

"It helps us identify high risk victims, and to assist victims through the prosecution stage," Baker said. "The bigger the team, the more things we can get done."

Carolyn Postell, a Prattville resident and herself a victim of domestic abuse, said she is glad to see units such as these in the community. Postell said such assistance was not readily available to her when she encountered problems more than 20 years ago.

"They give the victim an opportunity to find a safe place," she said. "Before, the person was back on the street before you had time to file a complaint against them."