What is the Break the Silence Initiative?

The Break the Silence Initiative is a multi-pronged approach to protect children against sexual abuse and the risk of HIV. As a first step to seek help, it aims to reach victims and their families with a message to speak out and denounce. In doing so, it breaks the stigma and shame that surrounds the issue of child sexual abuse. The initiative is an advocacy platform directed at policy makers, health workers and police authorities to create the protection and treatment services needed to support and care for the victims. First launched in 2010 in Trinidad and Tobago by the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at the University of West Indies, the Break the Silence Initiative will be rolled- out by UNICEF, government authorities and partners in several countries and territories across the region. The success of Break the Silence in Trinidad and Tobago has been largely attributed to the blue teddy bear logo with a plaster on its heart- a powerful branding and advocacy message directed at diverse groups of stakeholders, including community workers and service providers who strategically disseminate key messages and communication materials during events and activities to wide-audiences.

The Break the Silence Symbol (Blue Teddy)

The creation of an ethnic and gender sensitive symbol that brands the ‘Break the Silence: End Child Sexual Abuse’ campaign has been a key achievement of the project. The symbol- a blue teddy bear with a plaster on its heart- was designed specifically to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, incest and the implications of HIV/AIDS. 

There is an overarching message which can be repeated in all messages. It can be used as a slogan on different materials: Child sexual abuse: there are no innocent bystanders. Silence is acceptance- break the silence.

End child sexual abuse

Everyday countless girls and boys of the Caribbean are abused by parents, other relatives, caregivers and neighbours. Sexual abuse happens everywhere - at home, in schools and other institutions. It’s time for all us- governments, social workers, teachers, families and children to unite to end the abuse of children.

Break the silence

Child sexual abuse- a silent emergency. The true magnitude of abuse is hidden because it happens behind closed doors. Children remain silent- often they are too afraid or not sure where to turn. Child sexual abuse- a taboo issue with too much social tolerance. There are no innocent bystanders

Sexual abuse has a serious impact, not only on girls or boys, but on the fabric of society

A culture of acceptance increases risks of psychological distress, stigma, discrimination, early pregnancy, HIV, HPV and other sexually transmitted infections. Break the silence

Break the cycle

Victims are at risk of becoming ensnared in a cycle of violence and even of becoming abusers themselves. We all have a responsibility to fulfill children’s rights- to ensure that the lives of boys and girls are free from abuse, neglect and violence. Silence is acceptance