The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is marking the 21st Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), celebrated in April of 2022, by hosting a series of private events with survivors highlighting the importance of wellness and healing and by promoting community awareness about online sexual violence, harassment, and abuse.

The MAPS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) team will host two private events with community members who are part of their DVSA support programs. Participants will prepare traditional dishes and beverages from their countries of origin while sharing the cultural meaning behind these traditions and reflecting on their role in self-care, wellness, and healing.

On Thursday, April 14, a group of Brazilian program participants and MAPS advocates will learn the step-by-step preparation of a traditional Brazilian green tea and green smoothie at 4 PM at the health and social services organization’s office in Cambridge (1046 Cambridge Street). On Friday, April 29, at 4:30 PM, a group of Cabo Verdean program participants will learn how to prepare traditional cuscus at the MAPS office in Dorchester (1 Stoughton Street).

“We want to offer participants a safe space to be in community with others and reminisce about shared cultural practices and traditions,” said Dulce Ferreira, MA, Director of the MAPS DVSA Program.

Throughout the month, MAPS will also meet with several faith-based community groups and local barbershops to highlight the importance of staying vigilant to the signs of abuse in the communities they lead, but also online.

“We spend such a big part of our lives online now, so it is more important than ever that we stay vigilant and equip ourselves with the necessary tools to confront unacceptable abusive behaviors online,” said Ferreira. “Part of being an active bystander is to know how to respond when the need arises.”

Since 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has coordinated the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign observed every April. This year’s theme is ‘Building Safe Online Spaces Together.’ To learn more about the campaign, please visit nsvrc.org/saam.