Break the Chains is a rural outreach program to educate teens and women in villages about domestic violence, basic information of their legal rights, and resources available for their protection.
The Women's Development Officer and the Police Domestic Violence Officer accompany Mary Open Doors to the villages, each presenting a session on their role in the community and how they can help. MOD staff and volunteers work directly with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Rural Development to coordinate and carry out the initiative.
A few point persons in each village are selected and initially given information on the program to share with women's groups and others in their community. MOD TEAM/volunteers then return to the villages to provide educational presentations and resource materials.
Break the Chains was formerly called "Domestic Violence and the Link to HIV," and start-up funding was provided by Full Basket Belize (previously International Friends of Belize).
"I would like to see this form of education be permanent in the villages, addressing low income, underprivileged, refugees and displaced persons," says Anna Silva, MOD's CEO. With the help of volunteers and donations, "We are looking at this program to be a continuous relationship between MOD and the villages."
"I am a Licensed Social Worker in the States... I could not speak more highly of my experience with MOD, and of how open and willing they were to learn and apply anything that would help the women and children in their community...They are a solid foundation with research and knowledge to back their services, and they are eager to teach others. Thanks to all at MOD who made this experience so rewarding and meaningful!" - 2010 Volunteer
