The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is joining this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month(DVAM) nationwide campaign throughout October with expanded outreach and events in Dorchester and Cambridge— encouraging community members to speak up against Domestic Violence.
On Wednesday, October 11, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, at the St. Anthony’s Church in Cambridge, the health and social services organization joins forces with Safe Havens and the Archdiocese of Boston to promote a Training about Domestic Violence for Faith Leaders. The training will be facilitated by Safe Havens and supported by MAPS DV/SA program staff.
A few days later, on October 20 at 6 pm at MAPS’ Dorchester office (1 Stoughton Street), the Cabo Verdean Women’s Group “Finka Pé” is hosting their annual “Wear Purple” event. Participants are encouraged to wear purple-colored clothes – the color of the Women’s movement – and to come together to have an open discussion about Domestic Violence and ways to support each other and the community in raising awareness around the issue.
On October 20, the Consulate General of Brazil in Boston will host the photography exhibit “Healing and Empowering Survivors”, a project created by MAPS with local photographer Helenita Morais showcasing a series of portraits of domestic violence survivors, with a focus on positive messages of self-esteem and empowerment. The exhibit will be on display at the Consulate until October 24, and will then be moved to the MAPS Cambridge Office and presented to community members attending the organization’s Annual Meeting.
On October 26, from 9 am to 11 am at MAPS’ Cambridge office, the organization hosts a “Community Breakfast”, bringing together other organizations and local faith leaders for an open discussion about strengthening our families and communities and promoting healthy and safe relationships.
The next day, MAPS’ Dorchester office will receive the 3rd Annual “Paint the Town Purple” event, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. This event is a collaboration between MAPS, Boston PD-C11, Casa Myrna Vasquez, Northeastern University Domestic Violence Institute and the Family Nurturing Center of Boston.