Our Mission
The mission of Break the Silence is to support survivors of sexual violence by striving to end rape culture and hold perpetrators accountable.
Our Vision
We envision a world where survivors of sexual violence can tell their stories and trust they will be met with validation, compassion, and support.
Our Values
We are non-violent, victim-centered, trauma-informed, and survivor-led.
Our Story
For 26 years, Sarah Super didn't think she knew a rape survivor. But on February 18, 2015, Sarah's ex-boyfriend broke into her apartment and raped her at knifepoint. Sarah stepped forward to identify herself in news reports about the story. By telling her story, many other survivors told theirs. The prevalence of sexual violence in the Twin Cities community became clear.
By breaking the silence, survivors empower others to do the same. By breaking the silence, survivors personalize the statistics on sexual violence. When survivors break the silence, it connects those who haven't been assaulted to the issue of sexual violence in a visible, personal, and urgent way. When survivors break the silence, it invites other survivors to connect with that person, creating communities and connections where healing can occur.
Break the Silence creates platforms for survivors to identify themselves. We strive to end rape culture, hold perpetrators accountable, and support survivors of sexual violence in healing. Break the Silence has hosted community truth-tellings, started a survivor photography project, organized protests and rallies, created a singing group called "Survivor Voices," and has gained the support of the City of Minneapolis in declaring August 17th, 2016, "Break the Silence Day.” Break the Silence has begun to change the conversation around sexual assault, and our work is just starting. Together we will create communities in which survivors can tell their stories and trust they will be met with validation, compassion, and trauma-informed support.
Find a Local Chapter
If you are interested in starting a local chapter please contact us!
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It's time to eliminate the statute of limitations for criminal sexual conduct. https://t.co/v4oht92G8v
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RT @RISEsisterhood: Last Thursday, Advocacy Director @asmaresists courageously testified why eliminating the statute was important for… https://t.co/idEbW3kbO5
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We have high hopes and high expectations for improvement in 2019. People who report sexual assault to the police d… https://t.co/CduNViJ1iN
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A grant has been awarded to agencies across Minnesota to test untested rape kits. Break the Silence Founder Sarah S… https://t.co/wQNc6KG8Z2
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Survivors choosing to break the silence have propelled this movement forward and are making change happen. When we… https://t.co/3sidMCXTsD
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We hope to build the nation's first permanent Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence this year, but we can't do i… https://t.co/ozey67RKzy
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We hope to build the nation's first permanent Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence next year, but we can't do i… https://t.co/FXJY5geVxF
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Break the Silence Founder Sarah Super sat down with Still Kickin founder Nora McInerny (@noraborealis) to talk abo… https://t.co/m540dmZ2Wk
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RT @nausheena: Instead say: I believe you. You are brave and strong. I am sorry that happened to you. https://t.co/ZvHLadXlZP
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RT @mnhouseDFL: Asma Mohamed of @RISEsisterhood speaks to the need to remove the statute of limitations on sexual assault - we need… https://t.co/AvZeBVHb6i