By Mike Finney

DOVER — City Councilman Andre Boggerty was staggered when he learned of the high rates of domestic violence, sexual assaults and human trafficking that occur in Delaware.

With a hope to help some of these victims, he introduced the idea of making Williams Park, at the rear of the White Oak/Towne Point neighborhood on the east side of the city, a “Safe Haven Park.”

Councilwoman Tricia Arndt, who represents the 3rd District, co-sponsored the ordinance to dedicate the Nimitz Road park. All council members were supportive.

“We just realized that domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assaults are something that we all have to contend with,” Councilman Boggerty said. “We see it all the time ... in the news, and our numbers here in Delaware, based on the information I received, I didn’t know. … I didn’t know they were that high. We have more than our fair share.”

According to the Delaware Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, there were 22,745 domestic violence incidents reported in the state in fiscal year 2021.

The goal of the Safe Haven Park, Councilman Boggerty said, is to assist such victims.

“A Safe Haven Park now ... acts as a place for somewhere to go. They can call the police and say, ‘Hey, I’m at a Safe Haven Park,’ if they happen to get away (from their abusers),” he said.

Williams Park, one of 18 city-managed parks in Dover, was dedicated as a Safe Haven on Saturday.

Several vendors attended the ceremony, and information regarding domestic violence was distributed. Visitors also heard testimony from survivors and how they managed to heal.

“This park dedication is the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing effort,” Councilwoman Arndt said. “I encourage support organizations and victims’ groups to use this park for prayer circles, support meetings and events. We hope this park will be a refuge for individuals who need time and space to reflect and gather strength.

“We were all there because we believe in the power of the community to help heal the individual. The city of Dover is a community with a big heart. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your community supports you in your healing process. Together, we can overcome.”

Councilman Boggerty, an at-large representative, said city police will be increasing patrols around Williams Park, which joined Division & Kirkwood Streets Park as Dover’s two Safe Havens.

“More than anything, it’s a place of healing,” he said. “We planted a tree, so individuals who need healing or are trying to process that part of their life, they can go there and reflect. Parks are usually fun and places for kids, and it’s a place where these victims can go and pray for healing or just sit there and just kind of meditate. ... There were a lot of people that didn’t even know (Williams Park) exists.”

Councilwoman Arndt said she got chills during the tree-planting ceremony.

“We plant this tree to commemorate this day and to honor those who have suffered at the hands of others,” she said. “I hope our tree grows as strong and as resilient as our survivors here today.”