Ivano-Frankivsk social workers trained to recognize and counteract violence against children

"Children are often not ready to talk about cases of violence against them on their own. For various reasons. They are afraid of being alone, of not being heard, afraid that disclosing the facts of violence can harm those they love, separate them from their family if the violence is committed in the family, afraid that it can harm the perpetrator. But if adults suspect that a child is being abused, they can gently and calmly ask a few questions that will confirm or deny the fears," said Yuliana Maslak, a child psychiatrist, psychotherapist in the method of cognitive behavioral therapy during a webinar for social workers.

The UCU Center for Child Dignity as part of the project "Safeguarding. Child Safety in the Educational Environment" project cooperates with educators from different regions of Ukraine. The webinar "Factors that increase the risk of violence: what signs of behavior should we respond to" was held for social educators in Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Yuliana Maslak spoke about the types of violence, how it affects a child, and what signs it has. How to recognize a child who is being abused, how to talk to such a child, and how to support them. Why some adults abuse children. How to become a trusted adult whom a child can turn to in a situation where they need help.

The project "Safeguarding. Child Safety in the Educational Environment" project aims to create a safe environment for children in educational institutions: prevention of violence, mechanisms for recognizing children who are abused, signs that indicate an abuser. It also provides for effective response and timely assistance with referrals to competent specialists.