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YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova is launching her new program called STOP for Self Defense Trauma-Informed Outreach Program.
Area residents can receive tips and training on the essential components of self-defense in a safe, trauma-informed environment.
She said the program was developed through collaborations with area service providers including Mercy Health, Youngstown State University Campus Recreation, COMPASS Family & Community Services and the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
The course will be taught by Mercy Health police chief and certified self-defense instructor Ryan Bonacci, and it will be offered several times each year in different parts of Mahoning County. There is no fee to take this class.
Under STOP, participants will receive training on three core components: education on local laws and local victim services; awareness and confidence building; and physical training.
The goal of this course is to increase the confidence of participants to enable them to use the skills learned in response to any potential conflict and / or violent incident, she said in a news release. Each year, tens of thousands of people fall victims to aggravated assault.
"While my office prosecutes those who commit these crimes, I also believe we have an obligation to educate and provide our residents with the skills they need to recognize a dangerous situation and how to help stop it," Degenova said.
This is especially true of college students, where studies show that 1 in 5 will experience some form of assault during their time in college.
"Having young adult children of my own, I can appreciate how important it is to provide this information to college students. If these techniques help prevent one person from becoming the victim of assault, I view it as a success." she said.
STOP will empower residents in a supportive and encouraging environment, and teach participants what resources are available if they or somebody they know is experiencing violence at home, its organizers said.
The first course will take place at the Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center at YSU at 5:30 p.m. Thursday for YSU students.
There will be sessions open to the public on Oct. 4 at the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center in Campbell and on Nov. 1 at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown.
Participants attending the YSU session will receive a free T-shirt and drink cover. All other participants will receive a free T-shirt. If an organization would be interested in hosting a course, email the prosecutor's office at: prosecutor@mahoningcountyoh.gov.
For more information and to register your interest for future sessions, visit: https://prosecutor.mahoningcountyoh.gov/programs/stop-self-defense-courses/
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