Breakthrough Institute Hosts Bell Bajao! Campaign

Ring the bell.

That’s all the Breakthrough Institute is asking people to do to stand up against domestic violence. The Institute’s Bell Bajao! (Ring the Bell!) Campaign was inspired by a real retired bank clerk who overheard a couple fighting and simply rang the doorbell to intervene. At the Institute’s website, you can watch the videos made to highlight the importance of simply stopping domestic violence as it occurs. (Trigger warning—there is violent, disturbing dialogue, though no physical violence is visually portrayed.)

The award-winning campaign isn’t just about domestic violence and abuse. Forced abortion, women’s rights in the military, and many other issues are covered at the site’s blog. You can also upload your own videos, find out about events surrounding the campaign, and take part in photography, writing, and other contests.

Perhaps one of the best things you can do at the site, however, is to become a Rights Advocate. By becoming an advocate, you can spread the Bell Bajao! message in your own communities—both on and offline—and help put an end to domestic violence. Here, you can:

• Download a toolkit that provides frequently asked question answers, facts, information, tools, and even a training kit to help train other advocates
• Download ringtones and stickers for the cause
• Join the Bell Bajao cause on Facebook and Twitter
• Sign the pledge to end domestic violence by never engaging in it, supporting it, or allowing it to occur under your watch

Of course, there are dozens of other ways to help stop domestic violence in your community. You can:

• Be a teacher and help make sure that both boys and girls know that violence is never the answer. Did you know that most people who engage in domestic violence believe that it’s the norm, and that most of their peers do it, too? Teach your children by example and never engage in violence yourself.
• Immediately call the police if you witness an act of violence—even if you only hear it.
• Lobby for legislation that protects people from domestic violence.
• Call 1-800-END-ABUSE to find out about current campaigns in your area and how you can help. You might even be able to work as a hotline volunteer in your community. Give the number out to friends and family, and be sure to get help if you need it yourself.
• Promote counseling, anger management, and health services for men and women in need. Volunteer at shelters, or raise money and awareness for them with a fundraiser.