Southeastern Massachusetts Voices Against Violence
(SEMA-VAV)
About SEMA-VAV
SEMA-VAV was formed in August 2003 in response to increased violence within Greater Taunton and surrounding communities. SEMA-VAV stepped up to fill an outreach gap that resulted from severe budget cuts suffered by local violence prevention health care resources. For it’s first project, to link National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Oct.) and National Make a Difference Day (Oct.25), SEMA-VAV coordinated month-long community awareness events that culminated with a public viewing of the Clothesline Project (hosted by New Hope, Inc.). 900 signatures were collected in an “Add My Voice!” (against violence) campaign and more than 3,000 people directly received information about violence prevention and available resources for help. More than 30,000 were reached via a media campaign.
SEMA-VAV has developed a year-round calendar of violence prevention activities in collaboration with other community groups and coalitions, primarily New Hope, Inc. and the GATHER DV Coalition. Many events are scheduled to coincide with regional, national and international programs. SEMA-VAV is coordinated and chaired by Annemarie Matulis. Ms. Matulis is the admissions coordinator and senior instructor at Massachusetts School of Information Technology in Taunton. Ms. Matulis formerly worked as an outpatient counselor specializing in substance abuse/domestic violence and is a former battered woman, 24 years free from violence. In August 2004, she was elected Chair of the Greater Attleboro/Taunton Health & Education Response Domestic Violence Coalition.
SEMA-VAV received Awards of Appreciation from the National Make a Difference Day Foundation for its efforts in 2003 & 2004. In February 2004, SEMA-VAV was awarded a $3500 reimbursement grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (Department of Justice) to heighten awareness related to National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 18-24, 2004. In 2004 & 2005, SEMA-VAV was awarded Verizon Wireless HopeLine Grants to continue efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence resources.
SEMA-VAV has developed two publications to help raise funds to continue its community outreach.
From the Clothesline of Tears to Hope is a celebration of freedom from violence and fear. The next printing will be available for National Make a Difference Day, October 28, 2006.
Through My Eyes: Voices Against Violence, Voices of Hope 2004 Edition is a compilation of essays & poetry in support of crime victims as they move forward and heal. This book evolved as a part of the 2004 National Crime Victims' Rights Week awareness campaign. Submissions are now being accepted for the 2006 Edition.
In 2006, SEMA-VAV applied for 501c3 non-profit status (approval pending).