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A major obstacle keeping victims of domestic abuse from leaving their abusers is financial dependence.

The Agency for Workforce Innovation is launching a pilot program geared toward helping women and children escape domestic abuse though employment. Initial efforts will be focused on Manatee and Sarasota Counties. AWI Director Cynthia Lorenzo says the goal is to make victims financially secure.

“This new program will help them get new and better jobs so they can better connect with employment opportunities, maintain self-sufficiency, and keep them and their families safe and away from abuse,” said Lorenzo.

The program costs half a million dollars, if it’s successful, the state will consider expanding it to all 67 counties.