*ATTENTION – Breaking Code Silence is no longer processing testimony, however, your voice is still needed to help children currently held in the troubled teen industry. Please consider sharing your testimony with WWASPSurvivors.com. WWASP Survivors is a survivor led advocacy group, and informational resource for survivors, parents and the public. Your contributions will be appreciated to continue raising awareness and fighting for legislative reform of this industry.

Here’s what you will need:

1. White poster board
2. Black permanent marker (thicker tipped markers are best)
3. Duct tape (red or silver/gray preferred)
4. Scissors
5. A clean, solid background (ex: a neutral colored wall or photography backdrop)
6. Something which takes a good photo (ex: smartphone, digital camera, or good webcam)
7. A friend, to take the photo (if not you can use the timer feature on your device)

Directions
  • Using your marker and LARGE, clear handwriting, fill out your poster board. The bolder your handwriting is, the better! Once you have your poster board, set yourself up for success. Find your clean background and set up your camera (or friend with camera) to take the photo. If you are doing it yourself, it helps to have the phone/camera/computer set up so you can see the screen and position yourself. If you have a friend, they’ve got you!

Here is an example:

  • Cut the duct tape to cover your mouth.
  • Stand in front of the background, and hold your poster board so your hand is not covering the words. Try to keep the poster board as straight as you can.
  • It’s up to you whether you want to leave the tape as it is or if you want to use one hand to act as if you are pulling the tape off, ready to #breakcodesilence!
  • Eyes open or closed, also up to you.
  • Take (or have your friend take!) several photos, so you have options.
  • Once you have selected your favorite photo, send it to us at breakingcodesilence@gmail.com ! We will talk more and guide you from there. Nothing will ever be posted without your permission! And we will always take photos down should you change your mind.
  • Post across any social media platforms and tag #breakingcodesilence

Thank you for your bravery!