In Kharkiv region, community residents learned to recognise violence against children
Residents of Pokotylivka in Kharkiv region discussed the signs of violence against children, its consequences and ways to protect children with Rokada GBV specialist Svitlana Tkachenko.
Topics included the forms and signs of physical, psychological and sexual violence, as well as neglect of a child’s needs. Participants also discussed why harsh parenting methods are unacceptable and how they affect a child’s mental health and later life.
“Violence against children does not always leave bruises. Constant shouting, humiliation, threats or indifference to a child’s needs hurt no less than physical punishment. Adults often don’t even realise they are causing harm, because that is how they themselves were raised. That is why it is important to notice warning signs in time: changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fear of certain people. And to know where to turn to protect the child,” explains Svitlana Tkachenko.
The specialist also explained where to get psychological, social, legal and medical help and how to safely report violence to the relevant services.
The project is implemented by the Rokada Charitable Foundation with the support of Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS) in partnership with Bukovinian Agency for Initiatives and Development (BAID) and Un Ponte Per ETS (UPP).
