The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is marking this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October by expanding outreach efforts in recently-arrived Portuguese-speaking immigrant communities throughout the state and collaborating with local organizations to increase awareness and offer information and resources about domestic violence.

Throughout the month, the MAPS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault team will also work with local partners to develop a strategy to offer adequate and comprehensive support to the most recent wave of families arriving in the United States from Brazil. 

“We have noticed that many of the recently-arrived immigrants from our communities are facing many issues and their needs are extensive – from basic needs like food and shelter to complex cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and trauma related to their journey to the U.S.,” said Dulce Ferreira, MA, Director of the MAPS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) Program. “This year, we felt it was imperative to expand our outreach to the new regions where these families are moving to and offer MAPS’ assistance and resources, not only related to DVSA but also our many free health and social services.”

On Sunday, October 9th, from 5 pm to 7 pm the health and social services organization will be conducting outreach and individual conversations at the Strand Theater in Dorchester. On Tuesday, October 11th, and Thursday, October 13th, from 2 pm to 4 pm the team will also bring information to the community present at the Cabo Verdean Association of Boston, in Dorchester.

On Tuesday, October 18, the MAPS team of advocates will take part in a networking meeting promoted by MetroWest Legal Services with other DVSA service providers. On Friday, October 21st, MAPS staff will conduct a presentation and conversation with a church group at the Abba Church in Marlborough from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Throughout the month, as in previous years, MAPS will attend candlelight vigils in honor of victims of domestic violence in Somerville (October 26 at Davis Square), Lowell (October 13 at Lowell City Hall), and Cambridge (October 19 at 5 pm at Cambridge 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/cause/domestic-violence-sexual-assault-advocacy/

MAPS has served the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts and others since 1970. The organization offers a wide range of free health and social services through its six offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Dorchester, Framingham, and Lowell. To learn more about MAPS, visit maps-inc.org.