Our partnership with A Breeze of Hope

Bolivia has the highest rates of sexual violence against women and girls in South America (Pan American Health Organization, 2012). In partnership with Bolivia’s Ministry of Health, A Breeze of Hope conducted research on sexual violence rates in Bolivia, finding that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys are sexually abused before age 18. What’s more, Bolivia’s Human Rights Defense Agency reported that 7 in 10 women suffer sexual violence during their life-time, most during childhood and adolescence. They also report that less than 2% of persons charged with sexual offenses are convicted. The living situation of child survivors in Bolivia is grave. Poverty, a collapsed and underfunded judicial system, endemic corruption, and cultural trends that romanticize gender-based violence all conspire to produce a social context that suppresses girls’ voices, making it extremely difficult to seek justice and professional services. A Breeze of Hope is currently the only specialized center in Cochabamba, Bolivia offering a full range of professional of services to these children.

One Day’s Wages partnered with a Breeze of Hope to support healing in the lives of child survivors who experienced sexual violence. By providing free support services to over 250 child survivors each year, A Breeze of Hope ensures that these children have the tools and support they need to rebuild their self-esteem and dream of a brighter future. These services include free therapy, expert legal advocacy, educational assistance, and vocational training. The therapeutic services include survivor-led focus groups, as well as traditional and alternative therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness practice, music, dance, art, photography, and craft making. A Breeze of Hope’s expert legal advocacy encompasses every aspect of the legal process, including prosecution and appeals. A Breeze of Hope also provides educational assistance that includes afterschool support as well as school-based interventions with skilled social workers. In addition, A Breeze of Hope provides vocational training to help survivors learn practical job skills, basic accounting and budgeting, and strategic planning.