Thousands of people will take to the streets across South America on August 24, 2024, to raise awareness about the importance of fighting child sexual abuse. This mobilization is part of Basta de Silencio (Enough Silence), a project of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that promotes actions against all types of violence. 

For 2024, the chosen theme was “Childhood Under Threat,” which aims to raise awareness in society of the urgent need to protect children from sexual violence. Throughout the year, the theme has been addressed through internal and external efforts.

Awareness against child sexual abuse is also being addressed in local Adventist churches. The topic of “Threatened childhood” seeks to ensure the healthy and protected growth of children. Every day, countless children suffer some form of sexual abuse, often by people close to them, studies state. 

United Nations agencies report that one billion children are victims of some form of violence, including sexual abuse, every year. Although nearly 90% of countries have specific protection legislation, less than half of them enforce these laws. 

“It is our responsibility to protect our children, guaranteeing them the love, security, and help they need,” says Jeanete Lima, educator and coordinator of the Basta de Silencio project for the South American Division. 

When analyzing the number of child abuse cases, it is possible to notice a significant increase worldwide. In this regard, the project coordinator highlights some important points that need to be worked on to change these statistics.

Lima also highlights the need to strengthen knowledge. “Reading and being informed about the subject is very important,” she emphasizes. 

“In the Church, it is necessary to ensure safety in the religious environment and, in particular, to train the departments that work with children and adolescents on the safety of minors,” she says. 

She also recalls the importance of receiving the victim and reporting abuse if verified. 

The Project 

Created in 2002, Basta de Silencio is an initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the aim of combating and raising awareness about various forms of violence, with a special focus on child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and bullying.  

Educational activities, talks, seminars, and online campaigns are part of the project's actions to inform society about the signs of abuse, and thus promote the prevention and reporting of these crimes.  

The campaign involves distributing literature and holding annual events in the South American Division's eight countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. In this way, it aims to mobilize communities to protect and support victims of violence. 

The project revolves around four main aspects: awareness and education, prevention, social mobilization, and victim support.  

Lima also stresses that the project is “vital for the promotion of a culture of peace, respect and dignity. As Christians, it is our duty to actively fight against all forms of violence.”  

Deep Marks 

Child sexual abuse leaves profound scars that will accompany children throughout their lives. Lima cites some consequences that the victim can develop, such as emotional instability, compulsive behavior, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. “In addition, it can harm productivity and romantic relationships,” she adds.  

The Bible provides several guidelines for protecting children and ensuring they receive the love, security, and help they need to become mature and healthy adults physically, mentally, and spiritually.  

“Jesus himself said: ‘Let the children come to me, and woe to him who causes my little ones to stumble.’ Abuse is a brutal way of preventing children from going to Jesus because it creates insecurity, emptiness, and doubts regarding true love, which limits the healthy development of a child,” Lima explains. 

Different Audiences  

The initiative is currently producing magazines aimed at different audiences: children, adolescents, and adults. In addition to highlighting the topic throughout the year, there is a predefined date for the grand event, when volunteers go out onto the streets to distribute the magazines. Health fairs are also held. The local community is provided with guidance, and training activities are carried out for children.  

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish website.