New Canaan Police plan to launch a personal safety course that’s designed to arm local women, including high school students, with techniques and information that address and prevent domestic violence and assault.
New Canaan Police Officer David Rivera. Credit: Michael Dinan
Led by Officer David Rivera, participants will meet twice per week for 90-minute sessions over five weeks, learning martial arts techniques such as in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as well as awareness tips and information about sexual and other assaults.
About $20,000 to $25,000 is needed to train New Canaan Police and kickstart the course, Rivera said. He’d like to start offering the course prior to the fall semester this year. (See donor information at the end of this article.)
Data shows that among high school students, sexual assaults often happen between upperclassmen males and freshmen girls, Rivera said. Open to high school girls as well as women 18 to 65 who live or work in New Canaan, the course will focus, in part, on preparing high school girls for college.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to educate everyone and my hope is that with this class, we will see a decline in domestic violence or more people who are willing to come to us and help us to help them solve their issues,” Rivera said.
According to Sgt. Carol Ogrinc, the department’s public information officer, parents often call about possible self-defense classes for college-bound daughters, so the New Canaan Police Domestic Violence and Assault Prevention Course is meeting a very real need.
“There is a lot of interest already,” Ogrinc said.
Police have seen reported domestic violence incidents double year-over-year— a statistic they attribute to greater willingness among victims to reach out for help.
Lt. Fred Pickering, the department’s first domestic violence coordinator, said that in his five years in the role, New Canaan has made huge strides in accepting that domestic violence happens here.
“Over the last 12 years, we have helped bring acceptance into the picture,” Pickering said. “Residents understand that it is here now and they’re educating themselves. It’s about educating girls and getting ready for life.”
Rivera said his command staff, Police Chief Leon Krolikowski, Capt. Vincent DeMaio, Sgt. Christian Gray, Ogrinc and current domestic violence coordinator Officer Michael O’Sullivan all have a hand in designing and supporting the planned course.
Those wishing to support it may send checks payable to the New Canaan Police Department to 174 South Ave., New Canaan, CT 06840. Letters should be addressed to Officer David Rivera, and he can be reached at 203-594-3000 or david.rivera@newcanaanct.gov. All donations will be used to start up and fund the course, beginning with certification training and equipment, Rivera said.