Protect, Serve, Learn SCV Sheriff’s Station and Domestic Violence Center team up to provide education and compassion

 Remember falling in love – that feeling of care, the desire to protect, the inability to think of a life without them.  Your relationship endures its trials, as all relationships tend to, but for some, jealousy turns to control and bickering turns to abuse.  When law enforcement becomes involved, the victim looks to a deputy for protection, compassion and understanding.
To nurture that relationship, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley have partnered to host “Dinner and Conversation,” an event to educate deputies who respond to domestic incidents.
On June 18, Class 414 Sheriff’s Station completed an outreach assignment by connecting with the center to host this event.  The young recruits were given the opportunity to speak to domestic violence survivors, removed from the work environment that might have limited them from becoming personally invested.  The event itself was funded by Class 414, with some recruits acting as servers, as well.
The room was all set for dinner, with calming purple table covers and small purple gift bags on each table.  Recruits wore nametags and most survivors remained anonymous.  Survivor Anna Figueredo, however, decided to share her story with everyone.  She described her former sense of self-blame and how she “broke the chain” by seeking help for herself – something she suggested the new recruits keep in mind, so they may become a resource for information and aid to future victims.
Accompanied by upbeat jazz standards, guests spoke openly and without fear of judgment from the other side.  The event may not have been all smiles and light hearts, but it was clear this meeting was necessary and important, as the aspiring officers walked away with an experience helped shape their career for the better.
For more information about the Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley, please visit www.dvc-scv.com.