Yesterday, I spent a wonderful afternoon with Amy, my friend and mentee. With a common goal in mind (to work on our “Eye on Melrose” photography project), we met after school to brainstorm and strategize. Armed with a snack from Dunkin Donuts, and our disposable camera, we began our trek around the city.

Citing the rise in domestic violence-related deaths in our state, Governor Deval Patrick recently directed the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to issue a public health advisory on domestic violence, alerting the public and health care providers to pay attention to this pressing health issue. Nationally domestic violence-related deaths have declined, but in Massachusetts the number was nearly three times higher in 2007 than in 2005. So far in 2008 there have been 19 domestic violence homicides and five domestic violence-related suicides for a total of 24 deaths. The Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV) commends Governor Patrick for calling attention to the severity of the problem of domestic violence and applauds his commitment to addressing the issue. In Melrose, community leaders and organizations have worked together for the past 13 years through MAAV to raise public awareness, reach out to victims, and educate and support young people in order to prevent teen dating and domestic violence. The coalition includes representatives from City Hall, the police, schools, clergy, healthcare providers, business community, students and parents. MAAV Director Rebecca Mooney reports that while significant progress has been made, much work remains to be done. According to Mooney, restraining orders on file at the Melrose Police Department have decreased by more than 50% over the past 10 years. “When I first started at MAAV in 1997, there were about 2-3 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police each day. Today the reports average 2-3 per week.” However, Mooney notes, most domestic violence goes unreported. “Fear and shame keeps victims from seeking help. We urge anyone in our community who needs help to call or e-mail us through our web site at www.maav.org. Our services are free and confidential.” Chief of Police Mike Lyle adds “The Melrose Police Department takes domestic violence very seriously. In fact this year we have taken the initiative to promote Officer Pam Daye as our Domestic Violence liaison between the department, MAAV and the community.” Joseph Casey, Superintendent of the Melrose Public Schools, agrees that the community partnership is vital and that “safe homes ensure safe schools.” “MAAV has an excellent reputation statewide for addressing domestic violence, stated Rep. Katherine Clark, “Their work saves lives, and I encourage people who become aware of domestic violence to reach out for help.”

7th grade students and their mentors in MAAV’s mentoring program exhibited their photographs of special places in Melrose at Starbucks.

Click on first image to start a slide show, then scroll over the right side of photo and click “Next” to continue…

Click on first image to start a slide show, then scroll over the right side of photo and click “Next” to continue…

I thought I would remember what it was like to be a seventh-grader, and as I’ve interacted with our mentees over the past several weeks, I’ve recalled some of those memories.  But it’s different for kids today.  It’s harder.

Shake the winter doldrums and join us for
MAAV’s 7th Annual Spring Gala
Friday, March 7, 7-10 pm
Memorial Hall, 590 Main Street, Melrose

Click on first image to begin a slide show then scroll over right side of photo and click “Next” to continue…

These beautiful bracelets, “Breaking the Chains of Domestic Violence,” were designed especially for MAAV by Jeannette Dion of Salem Street Beadery in Malden. Featuring silver chain links and eye-catching purple crackle beads, they are available from MAAV for $15 each by calling 781-662-2010, e-mailing us at info@maav.org or at Stitch Boutique next to Starbucks in Melrose. 100% of the proceeds will support MAAV’s violence prevention programs.

Thanks to the tremendous support of the community, the 13th Annual Walk & Candlelight Vigil held on October 19 raised awareness of domestic violence and over $21,000 for MAAV. 25 teams and over 300 people of all ages participated, honoring victims of domestic violence and renewing a commitment to prevent further violence. Under sunny skies and with a crisp fall air, participants walked the 2 miles around Ell Pond and through downtown Melrose, returning to the middle school for refreshments and team prizes. Click here to see our top fundraising teams or to make a donation! Click here to see photos from the Walk.