SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department is addressing domestic violence in this year’s Sheriff Shuffle campaign, an issue that hits especially close to home after the department lost a valued member to a domestic violence perpetrator just a few months ago.
Domestic violence is an issue that affects many people every year, especially women, and in the coming months, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office will be taking major steps to combat the issue, which is the focus of this year’s annual Sheriff’s Shuffle 5k race.
“These are senseless, senseless deaths and senseless incidents that will stay with people forever and could be triggered at any time,” Hampden County Sheriff Nick Koch said.
Koch and other members of the police department have been especially focused on this work since the death of Executive Assistant Eileen Monahan at the hands of a domestic violence perpetrator in April.
“We miss her. I want her smile to be remembered. I want her to be remembered as a runner, as a dog owner and as love,” Cocchi added. “I didn’t do enough as that player on the sideline or just as a support player, kicking the ball back into play. Now that we’ve hit home, I want to be on the field. I want to be a main player.”
On Wednesday, police announced the YWCA of Western Massachusetts as this year’s partner for the Sheriff Shuffle.
“We’ve been going into prisons for many years now to teach human trafficking programs and domestic violence classes. We’ve partnered with them before and this is a continuation of a great partnership,” said Elizabeth Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
The YWCA offers several resources for victims or witnesses of domestic violence. All money raised goes to help those affected, but the need is growing. According to the department, the number of convicted offenders charged with domestic violence in Hampden County after being released from prison has increased from 8.7% in 2019 to 11.4% in 2023. Koch told Western Mass News he will do everything in his power to combat the issue.
“We should all unite behind this cause. Don’t be shocked by this directly until it’s in your hands. Be at the forefront and make sure that those who are the victims of these horrible acts have a place to go and an opportunity to live until tomorrow,” Cocchi explained.
The annual Sheriff’s Shuffle 5k will be held at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 10:30 a.m. For more information or to register, click here
The YWCA of Western Massachusetts also wanted to remind people that they have a 24/7 bilingual hotline available for survivors, their families and friends, and providers: (413) 733-7100.
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
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