These statistics provided by The City of Boston enforce the fact that violence in our communities does not just impact direct victims. Our population struggles with the impact of trauma due to community violence, homicide, domestic violence, and related issues. Grieving mothers, siblings, and families are often left behind. Studies have shown that this target population faces challenges in all aspects of life due to the impact of trauma and grief. The world is beginning to recognize the need for Survivors of Homicide Victims Month (SHVAM) to acknowledge the profound impact of loss and provide support for those affected by the aftermath of homicide, aligning with our top priorities at Mothers for Justice and Equality (MJE).
On December 9th, 2023, community members of all ages joined us for a Memorial Balloon Release at Norfolk Park to celebrate and honor the memories of those we have lost. We provided balloons and markers for everyone to write a name and message to their late loved ones. Joining in prayer and impact statements, we collectively released the balloons to the sky. We concluded with warm cocoa, donuts, and memorable conversations filled with stories about our departed loved ones.
Written by Mel Powsner
