By Avice Meehan

A 20-year-old Winsted man is being held on $450,000 bond after being charged in the June 30 attempted rape and strangulation of a Norfolk woman. Jason Heath, of 114 West Road, Winsted, has entered a not guilty plea to three felony charges, including attempted rape, strangulation, and unlawful restraint. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16.

The victim, a young Norfolk woman out for an early evening walk, was found by State Police walking in the vicinity of Parker Hill Road after a passing motorist reported seeing a person in medical distress. She told police that the assailant attacked her from behind and that she nearly lost consciousness during the attack.

The assault prompted a strong response from the Norfolk community. Plans are now underway to hold a day-long women’s self-defense workshop at the Battel Chapel at the Norfolk Congregational Church on Saturday, Sept. 10. The workshop will be led by IMPACT, a Boston-based organization focused on preventing violence and teaching self-defense. 

“This could have happened to any one of us,” said Adair Mail, who runs Lost Ruby Farm with her husband, Antonio Guindon, and lives in the area where the attack occurred.

Mali and her sister, Kate Pingeon, catalyzed planning for the Norfolk workshop. Their daughters had participated in IMPACT’s day-long training and they recognized it could help women feel re-empowered. 

The Sept. 10 program will be sponsored the Norfolk Lions Club and Volunteer Ambulance with additional support from the Economic Development Commission.

“So many of us live in isolated, rural areas in Norfolk. I think there will be a lot of interest in this,” said George Vinick, Lions Club president.