Gov. Bob Riley has awarded $67,512 to provide services to sexual assault victims in seven Alabama counties. The grant will be used by the Daybreak Crisis Recovery Center in Anniston to continue its programs to assist victims in Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Dekalb, Etowah, Randolph and Talladega counties.

“Victims of physical and sexual abuse deserve professional services to help them overcome the trauma of abuse,” Riley said. “I commend the staff of Daybreak Center for their dedication and concern for victims and I am pleased to make these funds available.”

The grant will help the center improve its response to victims of rape and sexual assault through its Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Sexual Assault Response Team programs.

Privacy and sensitivity are key components of SANE, which involves having a staff nurse conduct examinations and evidence gathering in a private area. According to Daybreak officials, many rape victims are hesitant to report sexual assaults because of the fear and embarrassment they feel while undergoing medical exams. Staff nurses are trained to be sensitive and symphathetic with victims.

The SART program offered by the center provides victims with immediate, confidential assistance and support. Response team members accompany victims to file complaints with police and assist them during court proceedings.

Riley awarded the grant from funds made available to the state through a program of the U.S. Department of Justice. He has designated the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to administer the grant.

ADECA director John Harrison notified Daybreak board president Rhonda Hardegree that the grant had been approved. Local funds of $22,504 have been pledged to support the program