Prevention

MAAV is committed to supporting healthy youth, families and community by ending the cycle of relational violence. It can take many forms: an unhealthy friendship, a physical or emotionally abusive relationship, a child engaging in or victimized by bullying behaviors, a controlling partner, or red flags in a dating relationship. MAAV works to stop domestic & intimate partner violence, teen dating abuse, and bullying before it starts.

MAAV’s mission is rooted in hope and the belief that change is possible, which is why prevention is at the heart of everything we do. Our prevention programs reach children, youth and adults and create spaces where MAAV can offer information, skill-building, and resources to help end the cycle of relational violence. Our approach is strengths based and seeks to amplify the protective factors that already exist in the community. Our work challenges and seeks to change the systems and social norms that perpetuate violence, and empowers individuals to build and thrive within generative, healthy, fulfilling relationships.

Prevention with Youth

MAAV partners with local public and independent schools to provide a range of violence prevention workshops. The core of this work is our Healthy Relationships Program for children and youth.

Children in 4th or 5th grade participate in age-appropriate lessons about : healthy friendships, consent, boundaries, bullying and upstander actions.

The middle and high school curricula expand to include: understanding the cycle of teen dating abuse, unhealthy relationship red flags, and breaking up safely.

At Melrose High School (MHS), a dynamic group of peer leaders, called the Student Action Board, leads educational programming with their peers to prevent teen dating violence and sexual assault .

At Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School (MVMMS), we facilitate support groups that provide group mentoring for youth.

For more information about bringing violence prevention programming to your community please contact us.

Community Trainings

Domestic Violence

MAAV offers domestic violence training for healthcare providers, professional development for educators and childcare providers, and awareness workshops for business and community organizations. These interactive sessions provide practical strategies tailored to participant needs.

Please contact us for more information.

Teen Dating Abuse

Teen dating violence affects millions of adolescents in the U.S. each year. Our trainings educate students, parents, teachers, staff, and healthcare providers to recognize—and effectively respond to—the warning signs of abuse to stop teen dating violence before it starts.

MAAV offers peer leadership training for students to equip them with age-appropriate skills for helping other teens, as research shows that teens are most likely to discuss dating issues with friends.

Men Against Violence

MAAV partners with the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) and the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence (SAAV) to facilitate programs for men and boys that foster gender equality. Our programs embrace healthy masculinity, accountability, and mutual respect and promote healthy relationships.