Residents of the Rohanka community in the Kharkiv region learned nonviolent communication in difficult situations

Through a creative workshop, Rokada psychologist Inna Kisil guided residents of Dokuchayeve village in the Kharkiv region on how to identify, respond to, and communicate in cases of gender-based violence.

“Personal boundaries are a fundamental human need, not a whim or a sign of selfishness. When you know how to recognize and defend them, it becomes much easier to spot the moment they are crossed and respond in time. Ultimately, it is about safety, respect, and dignity,” Inna Kisil explains, adding that assertive and nonviolent communication skills in challenging situations empower people to speak up rather than stay silent when their boundaries are breached. “We practiced specific words and behavioral tools that allow someone to say no or express disagreement without aggression and without feeling guilty. This is especially vital for survivors of gender-based violence.”

The project is implemented by the Rokada Charitable Foundation with the support of Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS), in partnership with the Bukovinian Agency for Initiatives and Development (BAID) and Un Ponte Per ETS (UPP).