Training on the prevention of violence against children in the Sambir-Drohobytsk Diocese of the UGCC

On May 22 and 23, Ivanka Rudakevich, the head of projects and programs of the Center for the Dignity of the Child at UCU, and the hieromonk-student, psychologist Sava Masnyk, visited Sambir and Drohobych, where they told the priests of the Sambir-Drohobych Diocese of the UGCC how to properly respond to cases of violence against children. Fathers learned about algorithms for actions after reporting, about services that provide qualified help to a child who has been wronged, as well as the importance of pastoral work with the wronged and their families.

Such trainings for the clergy are an opportunity to learn how dangerous the experience of violence in childhood is, how it can negatively affect various areas of life already in adulthood. They discussed the experience of the church in preventing violence, the fact that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is guided by the "Norms and principles of protection of minors and vulnerable persons in the pastoral activities of the UGCC", security policies with which every diocese and parish is familiar.

Doctors, social services, educators, psychologists and priests are adults who must create a safe environment for children, ensure respect for rights and dignity, and respond in the right way to the challenges of violence against children.

We are grateful to the leadership of the diocese for cooperation, and to all participants for their activity.

We offer educational opportunities for parishes, as well as resources - materials for use in work. If you have suffered, witnessed violence, or your loved ones need help, here are the contacts you can turn to.