Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback is distributing $5.7 million in federal and state funds to Kansas domestic violence groups.

The grants announced Thursday are aimed at prosecuting child abusers and preventing domestic violence. Brownback said in a statement that the funds were important to help the organizations continue their missions, especially in difficult economic times.

The grants were for $242,000 for the Recovery Act-Federal Victims of Crime Act program; $829,000 for the Victim Assistance Children’s Advocacy Centers program; $1.1 million for the Federal Family Violence Protection and Services Act program and $3.4 million for the State General Fund for Domestic and Sexual Assault program.