The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is marking this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October by highlighting the importance of financial independence with a series of “Bazaars with a Purpose” throughout the state to showcase survivor’s entrepreneurial talents.

In Lowell, the Bazaar will happen on October 6, from 1 to 5 PM, at the Holy Family Parish at 30 Grafton St, and in Dorchester, the event will take place on October 18 at the MAPS office on 1 Stoughton St., between 3 and 6:30 PM. On October 26, the Bazaar heads to the MAPS Framingham office on 24 Union Ave., Suites 8 & 10, from 10 AM to 2 PM; and finally, MAPS will host the event at its Everett office on 792 Broadway Ave. on October 27 between 1 and 5 PM. Throughout the month, the MAPS DVSA team will also engage with local business leaders who are willing to support and help launch survivors’ businesses.

“Often, one of the main obstacles survivors face when dealing with domestic violence is being financially dependent on their abusers, and so helping survivors look for ways to create sustainable sources of income is a crucial part of the work we do with our program participants,” said Dulce Ferreira, MA, Director of the MAPS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) services. “These ‘Bazaars With A Purpose’ are aimed at showcasing survivors’ entrepreneurial talents, ranging from arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, and much more, and items will be available for purchase.”

MAPS will also participate in several informational sessions in the community and on social media, including the Female Entrepreneurship event in Woburn on October 3, Social Services Day in Milford on October 5, and a conversation with religious leaders in Everett on October 17.

Throughout the month, as in previous years, MAPS will also attend several candlelight vigils in honor of victims of domestic violence in Somerville (October 30, 6 PM, Somerville Public Library), Cambridge (October 9, 5:30 PM, Cambridge City Hall),  and Lowell (October 8, 5:30 PM, Lowell City Hall). The MAPS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program offers free, confidential, and personalized support, crisis intervention, safety planning, information, guided referrals, medical and legal advocacy, and related services to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. To learn more about the program, please visit maps-inc.org/dvsa.