Violence against women and girls has been called the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights abuse in the world. It knows no national or cultural boundaries; it cuts across age, race, and economic status. It harms families and communities.

Facilitating camps and discussions allows us to bring the game to life by responding to the global issue of violence against women and girls in a new and creative manner that reflects a connection between the latest technology and social challenges. By recreating activities from the Facilitator’s Guide and discussing the issues around gender-based violence brought up in the game, the BREAKAWAY camps raise awareness and educate children about the issue. Children are involved in dialogue, discussion and exercises about the game and its message that encourages children to speak their minds about the message of the game and women’s rights. Games model behavior and encourage change from within by presenting the opportunity for the player to think critically about actions and reasons. By profoundly shifting beliefs, stereotypes, and attitudes on gender issues, games move from a curative to a preventive approach.

In El Salvador specifically:

“More than seven sexual attacks were reported every day in the first three months of 2013 – a 17 percent rise in 12 months, according to official police figures. Two thirds of the reported 636 rapes and sexual offences were committed against children under the age of 18. El Salvador has a population of 6.2 million.”

Read Aljazeera’s article “Violence against women rises in El Salvador” here.

BREAKAWAY is a continual and integral part of the UN’s ongoing worldwide fight against poverty, violence against women, hunger, disease and environmental destruction. The game is designated as part of the UN Secretary Generals’ UNiTE to end violence against women campaign and ties directly to the UN Millenium Goals.