Training for those who help children heal from trauma

On February 28, 2025, a unique training session titled "Peculiarities of Communicating with Children Affected by Sexual Exploitation and Abuse" was held at the State University “Zhytomyr Polytechnic”. The event was organized by the Research Institute of Medical Technologies, Mental Health, and Human Intelligence of Zhytomyr Polytechnic in cooperation with Child Rescue.

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In addition to the educational component, this event marked another important milestone in strengthening the partnership between governmental and civil society organizations in the field of child protection.
As part of the event, a memorandum of cooperation was signed.

Memoranda of Cooperation were signed between:

  • the State University “Zhytomyr Polytechnic” and the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor’s Office;
  • the BGV Charity Fund and the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

    During the event, Oleksandr Biloshytskyi, Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor’s Office, shared the outcomes of the work carried out in the region in this area and outlined future prospects for strengthening child protection.
    In turn, Polina Aldoshyna, Head of the BGV Charity Fund, presented the Foundation’s key areas of work related to the development of the Resilience Center in the Zhytomyr region.

These agreements establish a strategic partnership and lay the foundation for systematic cooperation aimed at protecting the rights of children who have suffered from violence and exploitation.

The training provided key answers to the following questions:

  • How to communicate with children who have experienced sexual violence?
  • How to create a safe space for their recovery?
  • How to avoid causing further harm during communication?

The training participants received practical advice from Child Rescue experts, who conducted intensive training modules using real case studies, practical exercises, and group discussions.

The training brought together around 50 representatives from various fields:

  • law enforcement officers and lawyers
  • psychologists and social workers
  • educators and volunteers
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Training Structure

Session 1: Definition of sexual violence and exploitation. Psychology of the affected child.

Session 2: Signs of sexual violence. Survivor-centered approach.

Session 3: Specifics of communication with affected children. Q&A session.

As a result, all participants had the opportunity to model real-life communication situations with children, receive expert advice, and discuss effective strategies for working with survivors.

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Key Outcomes of the Event

  1. Strengthening Intersectoral Cooperation – The signing of memoranda solidified the joint efforts of government and civil society organizations in the field of child protection.

  2. Practical Knowledge for Specialists – Participants gained effective action strategies for sensitive communication with children who have been affected by violence.

  3. New Opportunities for Further Cooperation – Participants from various sectors were able to establish contacts for future joint responses to cases of child abuse.

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We are pleased to note that the organizers have confirmed their intention to regularly hold similar events, involve even more professionals, and expand the topics of the training sessions.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Together, we are making an important contribution to a safer future for children!