Training on Child Safety for Clergy and Consecrated Persons in Serbia

On March 26, an online training was held for the Sisters of the Servants of the Immaculate Virgin Mary of the Province of Saint Joseph and priests of the Diocese of Saint Nicholas in Serbia, organized by the Child Dignity Center at UCU. Bishop Yuriy Dzhudzhar also joined the formation.

The webinar focused on the prevention of violence against minors. Ivanka Rudakevych, Head of Projects and Programs, and Hieromonk, Psychologist Sava Masnyk, discussed the importance of creating a safe environment for children. Ivanka Rudakevych talked about the types of violence, its impact on a child’s future life, who safe adults are and why they are important, and the signs by which abuse can be recognized. She also explained why it is crucial to prevent violence and how to respond effectively when it occurs.

Additionally, the expert familiarized participants with the results of the First National Serbian Study on Sexual Violence Against Children (2015), which found that four children in every school class (25-30 students) had experienced some form of sexual violence, but only 7% of those who knew about such cases reported them.

According to a 2020 UNICEF-supported study on disciplining children at home in Serbia, 40% of children (ages 1-14) experienced psychological aggression, and 19.5% of children were subjected to physical punishment.

Sava Masnyk shared the Church's experience in the prevention of sexual violence against children, safety rules to apply during camps, catechesis, etc. Participants also learned how to act responsibly and help a child who has experienced violence in a sensitive manner.