30,000 Adventists March Against Digital Violence in Brazil’s Most Populous City

A massive rally of Seventh-day Adventists in São Paulo, Brazil, brought the Breaking the Silence initiative to the forefront on August 23. Approximately 30,000 church members and leaders, according to estimates by the military police, marched through the central Avenida Paulista to highlight the risks of digital violence in contemporary society.

Officially recognized by Public Act 17,186/2019, the initiative called attention to the current digital violence threat that affects children, teenagers, and adults, often with deep emotional consequences.

The rally began at the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and continued for one kilometer (about 0.6 mile), ending in front of the TV Gazeta building. Pathfinders, Adventurers, young people from the Caleb Mission initiative, Women in Mission representatives, and entire families participated in the march, as well as leaders and representatives of the eight administrative headquarters of the Adventist Church in the state of São Paulo. The Turma do Nosso Amiguinho, a group connected to a popular children’s magazine published by the Adventist Church in Brazil, also made presentations along the route, organizers reported.

Visual and Auditive Impact of the Initiative

Ten platoons of marchers stood out along the route. Those who were on the sides distributed informative resources to passersby, while Pathfinders bands added rhythm and visibility to the march.

The march was covered live by Jovem Pan News, which expanded the reach of the initiative and added urgency and publicity to the issue, organizers said.

A Word From Participants

For Telma Brenha, Women’s Ministries director in São Paulo and creator of the movement, the event was symbolic. “Breaking the Silence serves to raise awareness, educate, and prevent violence. This year we raised the flag against digital violence in the heart of São Paulo. It’s rewarding when I see the sparkle in the eyes of people with the same purpose. Next year we want to come back here to do even better,” she said.

Among those who followed the demonstration, Bahian Larissa Santana, who has lived in São Paulo for two years, highlighted the relevance of the theme. “Today it’s impossible to know whom you are talking to on the internet. Parents are not always able to keep up with their children,” Santana said. “It is very important to raise awareness among the children themselves. I’ve never seen another church do something like this. The Adventist Church is right to go out on the streets and show this kind of concern for people.”

The march also included the testimony of those who have experienced digital violence. Pathfinder Isabella Carvalho, 12, told why she decided to participate in the action. “I was very sad about what happened to me, so I am here today to warn people that it’s important to report it,” she said.

For Jeanete Lima, South American Division director of Women’s Ministries, the rally in São Paulo symbolizes the strength of the project on a continental scale. “Breaking the Silence is a pro-life project, which vouches for human dignity. Seeing thousands of people stopping at the heart of São Paulo was exciting. The Adventist Church was united to say no to violence and yes to life. I believe there were angels present here,” Lima said.

Symbol of Hope and Commitment

At the end of the march, after a collective prayer, white helium balloons rose to the sky as a symbol of peace and awareness. The intention, said one of the organizers, was to “impact each person who was passing by at that moment,” which raises the invitation to report and protect themselves.

Adventists from different regions of the state gave even more strength to the mobilization, transforming Avenida Paulista into a great stage of hope, awareness, and social transformation.

Relevance of the Initiative

According to data from the magazine Quebrando o Silêncio (Portuguese for “Breaking the Silence”), more than 80 percent of Brazilian teenagers have suffered some type of online violence, such as cyberbullying, data exposure, or harassment. Brazil is also among the countries with the highest number of documented virtual crimes.

Since 2002 Breaking the Silence has been operating in eight countries in South America, with a special emphasis on the fourth Saturday each August. The project seeks to oppose and fight different forms of violence, especially against women, children, and elderly individuals. In previous editions of the rally in São Paulo, the theme included psychological violence (2022), obstetric violence (2023), and child sexual abuse (2024). The inclusion of digital violence this year reflects the evolution of the project and its ability to dialogue with emerging issues, organizers said.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.