The 14th Annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month. Enacted in 2000, Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) is an annual observance for survivor of homicide victims held November 20th - December 20th.
During the awareness month, survivors are provided with many opportunities to honor the memories of the loved ones, reflect on their journey as survivors of homicide victims, connect with other survivors and needed services, learn more about the Massachusetts Victim's Rights Movement and ways they can get involved, as well as support the efforts of survivors and inform the public about violence prevention, peacemaking, trauma, crisis response protocols and the restorative and social justice movement. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to dedicate an entire month to survivors of homicide victims.
How you can get involved in SHVAM.
Spread the word! Talk about SHVAM with your friends and colleagues, and encourage them to support and promote the initiative, post info on social media sites. You can let us know what you are doing to assist families in the aftermath of a murder.
Show your support!
Change your profile banner on facebook to the graphic above, or your profile banner to the SHVAM logo. Post on facebook and twitter #SHVAM #peaceispossible
SHVAM 2014 Calendar of Events:
November - December 2014
Women Survivors of Homicide Occupy the Boston Police Headquarters
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Location: Boston Police Department, 1 Schroeder Plaza, Boston, MA, United States
Description: On June 23rd and September 9th the Women Survivors of Homicide Movement (WSOH) met with Commissioner Evans and Superintendent Robert Merner. We were promised a room and told we would be allowed to personalize it for meetings with advocates and homicide detectives. Presently meetings are held in an extremely small interrogation room where murder suspects are interviewed and a camera is mounted on the ceiling. On October 28, 2014, the Boston Police Department invited our organization to view a room only to be told that it was no longer available. We consider this a major setback in fostering a working relationship between law enforcement and the community. This situation has left us no choice, but to occupy the Boston Police Headquarters every day until the original agreement is honored. Occupy the Boston Police Headquarters with us!
Boston Police Headquarters, 1 Schroeder Plaza - Across from Ruggles Station
Front Entrance Area. Mondays 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesdays 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Thursdays 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Fridays 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Also make a daily call to the Boston City Hall and the BPD Homicide Unit in support of Women Survivors of Homicide Movement's request!
Mayor's Office: 617-635-4500, Commissioner Evans: 617-343-4500
Contact Name: Mary Franklin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): Women Survivors of Homicide Movement (WSOH)
Tuesdays, November - December 2014
I'm Every Woman Radio & TV Show
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Description:
Listen on Boston Praise Radio and learn more about the Women Survivors of Homicide Movement (WSOH). "This show is empowering and informative; by WSOH and for WSOH!" Watch on ROKU TV
http://t.colqtHD3Dj via YouTube. Live calls at: 617-282-0685
Contact Name: Mary Franklin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): Women Survivors of Homicide Movement (WSOH)
November 20 - December 19, 2014
The Melvin Bernard Franklin Very Merry Christmas Foundation
Location: 4560 Washington Street, Suite 316, Roslindale, MA
Description: We are entering the 3rd Melvin Bernard Franklin Very Merry Christmas Foundation. Our goal is to make children from four families impacted by homicide a little happier by supplying their entire Christmas toys. We want you to play a huge part by donating toys and gift cards for boys and girls between 2 and 12 years old. Please no guns, knives, or toys that represent violence. All toys must be collected by December 19th.
Contact Name: Mary Franklin
Contact Phone: 857-600-1623
Event Sponsors: Melvin's Mission
Contact email: [email protected]
November 20, 2014
Dialogues on Trauma & Resiliency
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Mattapan Health Center, 1575 Blue Hill Ave. Mattapan, MA
Description: This series of conversations will focus on the following topics:
What is trauma? How trauma impacts individuals, groups, and communities. Identifying strengths and resources for those who have been impacted by trauma. Identifying Mental Health/Wellness Resources and Support Services. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Contact Name: Shawn Bodden, Violence Intervention Coordinator
Contact Phone: 617-898-9037
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): Mattapan health Center, VIP, Defending Childhood, Violence Prevention
November 22, 2014
Daniel Paul Taylor's Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: 2:00- 4:00 pm
Location: NAACP Mall of Roxbury, 330 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Roxbury, MA
Description: To all my families and friends of Homicide Violence, Please come and enjoy a wonderful early Thanksgiving Dinner with us!!! Come out and join us at NAACP. The first chartered branch in the nation established 1911 in Boston, MA. This year in President Michael Curry, vision "the first chartered branch of Boston as they celebrates 103 year, will host Thanksgiving Dinner, for the people of Boston, MA. We are thanking President Michael Curry and his staff for providing, programs that will enhance the NAACP, leaders who are the backbone in the communities.
Event Sponsor(s): NAACP
December 3, 2014
Holiday Wreath-Making
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, 15 Christopher Street, Dorchester, MA
Description: We will supply all you need to create a holiday wreath or keepsake in remembrance of your loved one. Bring a photo, memorial button, or memento of your loved one. Open to individuals and families living in the aftermath of homicide. Please join us for dinner, wreath decorating, and remembrance. RSVP requested but not required.
Contact Name: Jason Harmon
Contact Phone: 617-667-5658
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): The Homicide Support Services Project: a collaborative project of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
December 6, 2014
Honoring Survivors - Educational Presentation & Information for Families and Friends of Homicide Victims
Time: 12:30 - 3:00 pm
Location: Cape Verdean Adult Day Health Center, 34 Hancock St. Boston, MA
Description: FOURTH ANNUAL FAMILY EDUCATION & INFORMATION DAY: HONORING ALL SURVIVORS OF HOMICIDE - MURDER VICTIMS. In fond memory of our beloved ISABEL M. DE CARVALHO, who was brutally assassinated on September 17, 2014, Victim of organized drug crime, as retaliation against her daughter K.T. the Inspector of Criminal Investigation of Judicial Police and Coordinator of drug trafficking operation, in Cape Verde.
Presentation: Psychological effects of homicide-murder: Loss, grief, trauma, justice seeking, healing journey, the value of Early Intervention. Children with serious behavior problems may turn into adult felons. Violence is weakness: Poem - The Ultimate Weakness of Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Benefits Available for Families of Homicide Victims: Victims' compensation application assistance and other survivor's support services.
Information/Materials/Resource Table: Resources for Survivors, Homicide - Murder statistics, Domestic Violence Facts, "School to Prison Pipeline", Bullying, Deportation, Immigration, Citizenship, Legal Resources, Free legal Clinics, Mental Health Counseling / In-Home Therapy providers, Family Support Resources, Adults & Youth training and employment resources, Food pantries, Crisis and emotional support helplines
Contact: Ester, 857-544-7286
Contact: Djenane, 857-225-3490
Contact: Luisa, 857-261-7944
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): Nourish and Connect
December 6, 2014
Where do crime guns come from? Learn how to keep illegally trafficked guns
out of our community
10:00 AM- 12 NOON
Location: Grove Hall Public Library, 41 Geneva Ave. Dorchester, MA
Description: LIPSTICK Leadership Trainings equip YOU with tools and information to keep illegal guns out of your neighborhood. Learn how to prevent women and girls
from enabling gun traffickers, educate your friends, get your voices heard, and
be part of the solution today!
FREE LIPSTICK LEADERSHIP TRAINING for Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month
Light refreshments will be served
Contact: (617) 233-5363 to RSVP
Event Sponsors: Citizens for Safety in partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Justice, MassHousing, Lenny Zakim Fund, Shaw Foundation, Suffolk County District Attorney and Project RIGHT
www.operationlipstick.org
December 11, 2014
We Are All Touched by Gun Violence
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Location: First Church in Boston, 66 Marlborough St. Boston, MA
Description: Candlelight Vigil for all victims of gun violence
Contact Name: Ellie Miller
Contact Email:[email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): Mass Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
December 12, 2014
Steven's CircleFamily Dinner
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, 15 Christopher St. Dorchester, MA
Description: Dinner and celebration for the students and families of Steven's Circle - a survivors' leadership group at the Dever-McCormack School. Closed Event.
Contact Name: Alexandra Ch�ry
Contact Phone: 617-825-1917
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsors:
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and Dever-McCormack School
December 13, 2014
Open House Party - Melvin's Mission
Time: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Location:
4560 Washington St. Suite 316, Roslindale, MA
Description: Melvin's Mission -Supporting Women Survivors of Homicide Day Program - MUSIC, DANCING, FOOD AND DRINKS in the lower lobby entrance. Come and see for yourself. A place where the lives of women surviving the homicide of someone are transformed into purpose and power. Our mission is to build self-esteem as well as mind, body, and spiritual wellness for women struggling with the impacts of a homicide. Our goal is to introduce tools that will support, rejuvenate, and empower women during and after completion, by creating a Purpose for the Pain which will benefit themselves and other women survivors of homicide. No RSVP Necessary
Contact Name: Mary Franklin
Contact Phone: 857-600-1623
Contact Email: [email protected]
December 14, 2014
Gone but Not Forgotten Dinner
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Location: Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Ave. Mattapan, MA
Description: Dinner follows 11:00 AM service. Dinner, Encouragement Speakers, and the Word.
Contact: Marilynda Whitney, 857-719-1247, [email protected]
Contact: Deborah Jones, 617-669-7530, [email protected]
Event Sponsor(s): MSBC Healing & Encouragement Survivors of Homicide Ministry
December 18, 2014
Christmas Party for Children of Survivors
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Ave. Mattapan, MA
Description: Face painting, arts & crafts, food, Santa with Gifts. Pre-registration of children required.
Contact: Marilynda Whitney, 857-719-1247, [email protected]
Contact: Deborah Jones, 617-669-7530, [email protected]
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Open House
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, 15 Christopher St. Dorchester, MA
Description: Drop in and see the Peace Institute's new location, visit with survivors, providers, and community members. Light dinner.
Contact Name: Britta Chidester
Contact Phone: 617-825-1917
Contact Email: [email protected]
Event Sponsors: Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
January 15, 2015
Name of Event: Can We Talk?
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location: Roxbury Presbyterian Church, 328 Warren St. Roxbury, MA
Description: Are you experiencing trauma or loss? You are not alone! Our community is more than the violence in our streets, more that the grief in our hearts. Come share your voice, share your story. Let's heal together. Light dinner served at 6:00pm, discussion and sharing begins at 6:45. Childcare is available. RSVP requested. Please let us know if you will need childcare when you RSVP.
Contact Name: Florence Huffman
Contact Phone: 617-445-2116
Event Sponsors: Our Voices, Our Stories: : The Cory Johnson Trauma Education Project, Roxbury Presbyterian Church Social Impact Center, Still Harbors and Partners Health Care.
HOPE the Butterfly
