The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is being honored with the “Access to Justice Award” by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) at the 2017 Victim Rights Month Awards Ceremony, scheduled for April 3. The award will be presented, according to a note sent to MAPS by MOVA, in recognition of the MAPS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program’s “continuous strides over the past year in advocating for victims’ rights and services.”

During Victim Rights Month in April, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) recognize individuals and organizations that made significant advancements in victim rights and services in the state.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from MOVA”, said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “It’s wonderful to see our Advocates’ hard work and dedication be recognized, especially by such an important partner such as the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. Their support has been crucial in allowing MAPS to expand its Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program, established 20 years ago, to other offices throughout the Greater Boston area.”

“Culturally competent and accessible services are critical to reach non-English speaking populations experiencing domestic and sexual abuse”, said Liam Lowney, Executive Director of MOVA. “MAPS programming has successfully linked Portuguese speaking populations with the supportive counseling, safety planning, and social services they provide – making a true difference in these communities. MAPS continues to be a leader in promoting accessibility of services as well as prevention efforts across the state, and for these reasons we are thrilled to present them with the Access to Justice Award.”

MAPS provides free and confidential assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in its Cambridge, Dorchester, Brighton, Framingham and Lowell offices.