Twenty two months have passed, since THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERIES was pulled from the grips of my easel & studio to be officially presented to the public. That was October 10, 2001. I am happy to say that during these past months, this visual diary of soul wrenching, images have been publicly displayed over fifty-two times. Exhibits and Presentations have been held in cities and suburbs alike throughout Florida. Additionally, exhibits have been held in New York, Nevada, Maryland, Michigan & Kansas City. The book is being used throughout the US and even abroad in Mexico, Pakistan, Canada and the Dominican Republic
    I am humbled; simply stated, these paintings are beyond me. They possess extreme power. Power to heal. Power to educate! Power to strike that one chord persuading people to finally speak out! The secret is broken. Good, bad or indifferent, the paintings get people talking about domestic violence! Now, nearing it's two year anniversary, the fact is, the paintings have evolved and adapted. Products of my own therapy, these paintings have become public tools used to create awareness, educate, evoke dialog and raise funds for domestic violence organizations. Popularity; evidently growing, our schedule continues to remain full! The Series never fails to evoke EMOTION. It happens every time, with every exhibit! Many stories have been shared. Many SECRETS; told! Many tears have been shed. Many hugs; exchanged! We've had tons of media support! Literally hundreds of letters & e-mails have poured in from viewers commending the paintings and supporting their blunt truths. We know, from these letters; we are touching peoples lives! This is reason to continue. We are most grateful for this encouragement and support and for the opportunity to be part of something which so profoundly helps others.

    New and exiting things are happening for the Series! First, I must give heart felt THANKS to those involved for the nominations to the FLORIDA GOVERNORS PEACE AT HOME AWARD and FCADV's 2003 Excellence Award! I am humbly grateful and very proud of both of these Awards; they mean the world to me!
    **The Florida Department of Health and CDC have partnered up with MeloD to create, co-write and publish a Sexual Violence Series and accompanying Educational Book/ Poster Set. Much like The Domestic Violence Series and its Educational Book. We are very excited about this endeavor which should be available later this fall to all Florida Abuse Shelters, High Schools and Universities.
    **An All New "EDITED VERSION" of The Domestic Violence Series Educational Book and Workbook is currently in the works! When complete, this book will be used to reach even more people. You will find this new format more conservative; enabling it to be distributed to younger populations such as high school students. Like the "original, un-edited" version, it will be a wonderful tool for all advocates, counselors etc. to use while helping others recognize domestic and sexual violence. More information on sexual abuse is being added to the content, paying particular attention to this type of abuse within the confines of a relationship. The books will be larger, larger pictures, larger copy, more pages. There will be a workbook in the back complete with the Power & Control vs. Equality Wheels, several self quiz's, information for friends, families and employers of victims and safety planing. This book will be printed in English & Spanish. Upon request, it will be available to dv organizations, shelters, high schools and colleges for mailing cost only.
    ** The State of Florida and CDC have booked Domestic Violence Series Presentations and Exhibits for 12 of Florida's top Universities this fall, beginning with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers on August 27, 2003. This is a great opportunity to reach and educate college ages!
    ** "MeloD is now listed on the Florida On-Line Market Place (under the heading of Domestic & Sexual Violence; Educators/Speakers/Workshop Presenters). MeloD is now accepting key speaking engagements nationwide.
    ** A Documentary film on the Series will also soon be available on the Series: how it began, what it means, how it has helped the cause, what it can do etc.
    ** This past June, DVS took part in the statewide training for FDOH Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program. The goal was to begin to more fully understand the relationship between domestic violence and brain injury. Program administrators rarely know that they are serving women who have been involved in dv situations because they are rarely referred to the Central Registry or identified as having sustained traumatic brain injury by shelter workers. Keith and I were pleased to bring this awareness to their attendees.
    ** MeloD recently won The K-Mart/Pepsi Summer Sweepstakes Grand Prize this past July and will be awarded a brand new Toyota Sequoia! This automobile was a God send, as a stronger vehicle was desperately needed for traveling with the paintings. Thank-you K-Mart & Pepsi!!!

    It's quite amazing to watch this project grow. The Series has done amazing things, yet we have only just begun.
    Education and awareness is needed by all! I am grateful for all of the encouraging words and support received. Who would have ever thought? Keith & I have met many wonderful advocates and people working hard every day to end domestic violence! It brings us joy to see so many who care about this devastating issue. (After all, if it had not been for services offered by "a shelter", I am not sure that I would have ever escaped.) We cannot endorse strongly enough the importance of domestic violence shelters! We are thankful for these people who give so much of themselves to help those in need! Because of their spirit, which we have seen, felt and experienced, we feel reassured to know that one day, domestic violence will be (for the most part) a thing of the past!

May God speed!

Thank-you one & all! MeloD