FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 21, 2014

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT BRINGS D.A.S.H. TO RESIDENTS OF GROVE HALL

Jose Mojica, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Director of Training, administering the D.A.S.H. program to community participants inside of the Grove Hall Community Center.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department recently brought D.A.S.H. (Defensive Aids in Situations of Help), to the Grove Hall Community Center.

The program, which was created as a part of the Department’s public safety initiative, aims to provide women with a greater sense of confidence and security through basic physical self–defense training and instruction.

The three–hour training was led by members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Training Division Karen Doria, Jessica Cabrera, Julio Pena and Assistant Deputy Superintendent and Director of Training Jose Mojica. Throughout the scenario–based training, participants were instructed about how to deal with situations ranging from armed robbery, to kidnapping and even sexual assault.

Speaking later about her experience, Gina Daza from Goodwill Industries shared her thoughts about participating in the program.

“It was great experience,” said Daza. “We learned a lot. I’ve been talking about it at work all day. The instructors were very helpful, professional and careful, but they still allowed us to make it real.”

Julie Yee of Boston agreed.

“I really enjoyed taking this class and learned a lot from it,” said Yee. “It taught me how to be vocal in tough situations and taught me moves that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own, especially in situations we think we would never come across. The teachers were straight forward, friendly and very helpful in showing us how to protect ourselves with the correct maneuvers. I would recommend this program for all women out there. Although the class was three hours long, it was worth every minute.”

Sheriff Tompkins expressed his satisfaction with the impact that D.A.S.H. is having in the community and encouraged everyone to spread the word.

“This program is providing a service that is greatly needed in our community and I’m pleased that we are able to offer it,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “We’ve received great feedback from the women that have participated in it and we look forward to expanding our reach so that we can help as many women as possible. Please tell your family and friends about this program. We all want our daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives to be and feel safe.”

For more information about the D.A.S.H. program, or to inquire about future sessions, please contact Public Information Officer Zakiyyah Sutton at (617) 704–6656 or zsutton@scsdma.org.

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