Building a Culture of Safeguarding: The First Joint Training of the Child Dignity Center UCU and the UGCC Safeguarding Office

On November 14, a meeting of delegates responsible for receiving reports of violence in the eparchies, exarchates, and monastic communities of the UGCC took place at the Patriarchal House. The aim of the event was to deepen knowledge, exchange experiences, and identify priorities for further work in the field of safeguarding.

The event was opened by Bishop Petro Loza, Head of the UGCC Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized the importance of the delegates’ ministry and the responsibility entrusted to them by the Church.

The first part of the meeting featured a lecture by Fr. Sava Masnyk titled “The First Conversation with a Survivor.” The speaker focused in detail on the practical and psychological aspects of communication, highlighting three pillars of such a conversation: listening, accepting, and supporting.

The theoretical component was complemented by practical work. Participants had the opportunity to work in groups, where, in an atmosphere of trust, they shared their thoughts, ideas, and real-life experiences of responding to difficult situations on the ground.

Ivanka Rudakevych, Project Manager for the "Church" direction at the Child Dignity Center UCU, spoke about preventive measures within church structures. In her presentation, “What Does Safeguarding Prevention in Church Institutions and Eparchies Entail?” she emphasized that effective prevention requires not only individual actions but also a systemic approach and clear response procedures at all levels.

At the end of the intensive day, participants joined in common prayer. The outcome of the meeting was the identification of concrete priorities for further work aimed at strengthening a culture of safety and zero tolerance for any form of violence within UGCC communities.

This was the first event organized by the Child Dignity Center UCU in cooperation with the newly established UGCC Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons. We welcome this collaboration as an important step toward building a culture where the dignity and safety of every child are unconditional values.

Photo: Viktoriia Tokar