Active since 2002, the Breaking the Silence project is promoted annually by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in eight countries in South America. In addition to information, it provides solutions for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse and encourages groups to hold forums, educational fairs, events, and programs to promote anti-violence.

In the Federal District in Brasilia, Brazil, the project gained even more visibility after Governor Ibaneis Rocha (MDB) sanctioned Law 6727 in 2020, a law authored by the vice-president of the Legislative Chamber, Deputy Delmasso (Republicans), who created Breaking the Silence Week. The awareness campaign to combat violence against children, women, and the elderly will be included in the official calendar of the Federal District, and will be held during the last week of August.

Acknowledgment

Pastor Max Schuabb, president of the Adventist Church for the entire Central Plateau, and Jeconias Neto, director of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), were at the Buriti palace when Governor Ibaneis Rocha stated that he has strengthened the actions and initiatives of several institutions under his management. He also expressed satisfaction in being able to recognize and sanction Breaking the Silence Week into law, stressing that this project of the Adventist Church is very important.

Schuabb points out that it will expand the project's influence in the region. 

“We reaffirm our commitment to helping combat domestic violence and sexual abuse,” stresses the leader, who adds that Semana Quebrando o Silêncio (Breaking the Silence Week) will provide awareness campaigns for parents, educators, and the entire public school community, with information about available support organizations.

Project approved

Deputy Delmasso got to know the project through an advisor, who is an Adventist. Engaged in the cause against domestic violence, he presented the project to the Chamber in order to make it a public policy, and it was unanimously approved. 

"The main objective of the law is to provide support and emphasis on combating domestic violence, encouraging victims to seek help from the State and a support network," he concludes.

This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site