RALEIGH - The Governor's Crime Commission announced $20.6 million in awards to state and local agencies for projects that aim to help crime victims and make communities safer.

The 187 grants include nearly $4.8 million aimed at gang activity and more than $5.8 million to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Other grant money will be used to fight drug abuse and juvenile delinquency.

The awards include:

* A total of $1.4 million to seven agencies in Wake County, including $600,000 for Legal Aid of North Carolina for a domestic violence prevention initiative.

* A total of $1.2 million to seven agencies in Durham County, including $194,105 to the Durham County Sheriff's Office for a gang-related program, and $250,000 for the Durham Crisis Response Center.

* $190,000 to Family Violence and Rape Crisis Services in Chatham County for bilingual services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

* $140,000 to Safe Space Inc. in Franklin County for crisis and legal services.

* $59,867 for two programs in Johnston County, including $9,097 for the Princeton Police Department.

* Four awards totaling $437,230 to Orange County agencies. These include two awards totaling $199,746 to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and $106,000 to the Family Violence Prevention Center of Orange County.

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