BESSEMER, Ala. —

The Bessemer Division of the Jefferson County district attorney's office announced a new program Wednesday called "Safeguard" that is designed to help prevent domestic violence incidents by providing victims with resources like financial literacy and coping strategies.

"You have even students in high school who are in unhealthy relationships and they don't know how to get out," District Attorney Lynneice Washington said.

The district attorney's office handles an average of 460 domestic-related charges annually.

She said children living in domestic violence situations think that's normal, which perpetuates the problem. "We are here to provide those resources; the empowerment, education, awareness, so they will know how to exit those unhealthy relationships," Washington

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