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The Melissa Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and prevention of violence through education, community service, research support and consultation. Our mission is to prevent violence and promote safer communities through education and application of research-based knowledge.     Dating Violence Video "Dating Violence" Training presented to the Miami-Dade Police Department on December 4, 2007 by K. Daniel O'Leary, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Director of Clinical Training, Department of Psychology State University of New York at Stony Brook. [Click for Video] Windows Media Player required. The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment Establishes Literacy Website for Educators Internationally acclaimed reading expert, Dr. Dale Willows, has agreed to establish a literacy Web site in conjunction with The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment. The proposed site will serve as an integral tool in providing professional development information and training for elementary school teachers. [more] “ACT Against Violence Training Program”   Adults and Children Together Against Violence (ACT) is a program designed by the American Psychological Association (APA) to train early childhood, mental health and service agency professionals to deliver an enhanced parent education curriculum. For more information and to register, contact the Melissa Institute. 786-662-5210. To sign up for the training program and other information, click here. Read our 2008 Report to the Community to learn more about our activities. Michael Aptman M.D., Melissa's father and one of the founders of the Institute, published an article in the journal, Neurology, entitled "One In A Million?" It expresses his professional and personal experiences as a result of Melissa's murder. Handouts from Drs. Pepler, Larson and Meichenbaum's presentations at the Tenth Annual Conference, "Aggression and Suicide Among Children and Youth" have been added in the Downloads section. The Melissa Institute has launched a new website for school violence prevention. We invite you to visit TeachSafeSchools.org to access relevant, research based information for educators.   New paper available on Suicide Dr. Donald Meichenbaum, Research Director of The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment has written a paper entitled 35 Years of Working with Suicidal Patients: Lessons Learned available on this site. [download] The Melissa Institute Research Director Receives National Recognition MIAMI - May 21, 2008 - Dr. Donald Meichenbaum, Research Director of The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment has been selected to receive the 2008 Career Achievement Award by the American Psychological Association. Meichenbaum was recognized for his seminal work in the training of clinical psychologists to deal with crises and emergencies. Dr. Meichenbaum is one of the founders of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and was previously honored by his peers as one of the most influential psychologists of the last century. Health Foundation of South Florida Awards $25,000 Prize to Dr. Aptman Health Foundation of South Florida  presented its prestigious Concern Awards at a recognition luncheon on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at the JW Marriott in Miami. Dr. Michael Aptman, a Founder of the Institute and its vice president, received a $25,000 grant on behalf of the Institute.  In honoring Dr. Aptman with this award the Health Foundation noted that: "The value of having Dr. Aptman and The Melissa Institute helping our community and beyond is priceless.  He does not look for personal benefits, but for the needs of the community and those at most risk."  Dr. Aptman was one of three finalists for this award, given in the category of organizations with budgets less than $1 million.  He was nominated by Dr. Nilda I. Soto, M.D.               The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment 6250 Sunset Drive, Suite 204, Miami, FL 33143 | Phone 786.662.5210 | Fax 786.662.5211 Site designed by ADWEB Services Inc.