Durham Selectman Behind Push to Strenghthen Domestic Violence Laws

On Tuesday, Mar. 30, Durham selectman John Szewczyk, Chairman and Founder of the Connecticut Coalition of Police Officers to Prevent Domestic Violence, was asked to speak before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee in regard to House Bill 6629, an Act Concerning Domestic Violence.  The Coalition has been a major driving force this past year behind the proposed changes to improve domestic violence laws in the state of Connecticut.    

During his testimony, Szewczyk called for improvements to the Connecticut Bail Bond system due to current loopholes that allow an individual to be released from jail without properly posting a bond. Szewczyk also called for increased training for law enforcement officers in how to recognize and act upon teen dating violence and for increased awareness of teen dating violence in schools.  The coalition has been extremely supportive of allowing teens to obtain restraining orders in domestic violence cases.

“John Szewczyk should be commended for his dedication to improving domestic violence laws in Connecticut. He has quickly become recognized as a leader throughout the state as an advocate for these much needed reforms. Through the Connecticut Coalition of Police Officers to Prevent Domestic Violence, Szewczyk has been able to bring issues to the forefront that will ensure additional safeguards for victims of domestic violence” said Jeffrey Herget, a veteran Meriden Police Sergeant and member of the Coalition.

Szewczyk, who works full-time as a Hartford Police Officer said, “It has been extremely rewarding working to improve domestic violence laws in Connecticut.  Domestic violence knows no boundaries—it affects individuals from all walks of life throughout the entire state.  The Coalition will continue to work tirelessly to do our part to prevent as many instances of domestic violence as possible.”