Advocacy

    Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month

    (November 20-December 20)​

    Enacted in 2000, Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) is a month-long effort to inform, influence and impact how society views and responds to murdered victims and their families. SHVAM offers an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about the effect that murder has on families and communities, and uplift the peace-building efforts of survivors. SHVAM provides a dedicated space around the holiday season for survivors to gather in community and celebrate and honor their loved ones.

    Please contact Pace McConkie Jr. for more information or give us a call at 617-825-1917 ext. 124.

    Click Here for the SHVAM Calendar
    RSVP for the Opening Ceremony (11/21)

    Enact National SHVAM

    Call upon your representative in Congress to support H.Res.879/S.Res.465!

    Massachusetts was the first state in the country to enact SHVAM in 2000, and we now need your help making this a national observance! Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) unveiled joint Congressional resolutions (H.Res.879/S.Res.465) to honor survivors of homicide victims by establishing November 20 – December 20 as National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month.

    We need your help in encouraging the remaining members of Congress to sign on in support of this resolution. If you would like to read the FULL resolution, click the button below.

    View Full Resolution

    Step 1

    Identify your representative in Congress by visiting here!

    Step 2

    Using the prompt provided, write a letter, email, or call the office of your congressional representative encouraging them to sign-on in support of this resolution.

    Dear Representative NAME,

    I write to you today as your constituent, asking that you sign-on in support of H.Res.879/S.Res.465 – Expressing support for the designation of November 20 through December 20 as “National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month”.

    This resolution, filed by Representative Ayanna Pressley, serves as an important reminder that each person who dies due to homicide leaves a lasting void that is felt by so many, especially during the holiday season. We know that with each homicide, there are at least 10 survivors that are then tasked with navigating life with the grief of being without their loved ones, and that the number of survivors of homicide victims is growing exponentially each year.

    [INSERT ANY PERSONAL TESTIMONY]

    It is my sincere hope that you and the rest of our Massachusetts representatives in Congress unify around this resolution, which reads in relevant part: “all families of homicide victims deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.”

    In Peace and Gratitude,
    YOUR NAME
    ADDRESS
    CONTACT INFO