Southington PD Program Strives To Keep Women Safe

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Police Department will host a free public event Tuesday, Oct. 20, aimed at helping women develop practical personal safety skills and become more aware of potential threats.

The program, "Empowered, Not Afraid: Strategies for Everyday Personal Safety," will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at DePaolo Middle School, 385 Pleasant St.

The one-hour session will focus on helping women replace fear with informed decision-making and practical safety strategies.

According to the department, the program will use crime data to explain patterns of victimization, including when, where, and how crimes against women most frequently occur.

The presentation will also address common misconceptions about personal safety and teach participants how to recognize potentially dangerous situations.

Topics will include:

• Situational awareness: Recognizing unusual activity or changes in the surrounding environment.

• Warning signs: Understanding behaviors that could indicate a potential attack.

• Crime patterns: Examining data about crimes against women to better understand risks.

• Everyday safety habits: Developing practical strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines.

The program will be taught by Michael Lukanik, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and certified Connecticut police instructor.

Organizers said the presentation will emphasize practical, legally grounded safety strategies used by law enforcement professionals.

The event is designed for women of all ages and backgrounds.

Participation is limited to 250 people, and registration is required.

For more information, click on this link.

To register for the program, click on this link.