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.”

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

A huge thank you to the Melrose Running Club and congratulations to the 955 women who turned out to run or walk the 13th Annual Melrose Run for Women on Mother’s Day! Chilly, windy weather did not deter the hearty souls who participated or came to cheer them on! Photographer Richard Cohane did a great job capturing the unique spirit of the event.. see photos here. Funds raised from this event support MAAV’s violence prevention programs at the middle and high school levels, designed to stop relationship violence before it starts.

Congratulations to the students and mentors in our 8th grade mentoring group, who recently completed 2 years of participation in the program. Bonds of friendship were formed through monthly group meetings and outings, mentor and mentee matches getting together on their own, and several community service projects. A celebration was held on June 21 to honor and thank everyone involved for their commitment and caring. Learn more about our Community Mentoring Program here.

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

By E. Diane White

Lose weight, get a new job, pay off the bills.. How many times, year after year, do we make the same list of resolutions? “This year will be different!" we say. But if you are like most people, as the weeks go on it’s difficult to keep those promises to yourself.