The team of the International Public Organization “ILDC” has successfully completed a training program for the specialists of the “Children of Heroes” Foundation within the course “Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.”
A total of 45 specialists participated in the training. These professionals work daily with children and families, helping them cope with the consequences of war and restore a sense of safety and trust.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The training began with an introductory session, during which participants got to know one another, shared their expectations, and discussed why the topic of child sexual abuse requires a professional, sensitive, and careful approach.
The program consisted of two components:
1.
three expert-led online sessions
2.
completion of an online course on the BeProfi platform
The training was delivered by
Maryana Hevko — MCRL trainer, psychologist at the Barnahus unit, psychotherapist, and facilitator of support groups for adolescents and parents.
The program focused on deepening knowledge about the indicators of child sexual abuse, crisis-response algorithms, ethical interaction with the child, and the prevention of secondary traumatisation.
Training Results in Numbers
→ 100% of participants (45 specialists) successfully completed the program and received certificates.
→ Overall knowledge improvement averaged two levels.
Knowledge level before: 3% “excellent” →
57% “excellent” after training
Knowledge level before: 43% “good” →
43% “good” after training
Knowledge level before: 50% “satisfactory” →
0% “satisfactory” after training
→ Trainer’s professionalism
100% “excellent”
→ Logical structure and clarity of the material
89% “excellent”
→ Convenience of the format (BeProfi, materials, communication)
89% “excellent”
→ Relevance of the content to professional needs
68% “excellent”, 32% “good”
Participants’ impressions
Participants shared their feedback in the evaluation forms:
“Knowledge helps transform fear into concrete actions — to notice danger and understand what to do.”
“I was especially impressed by the trainer — professional, attentive, and highly engaged. The information was structured and delivered very clearly.”
“It was very helpful to learn how to create a safe environment and respond appropriately to cases of violence.”
Why This Training Matters
During wartime, the risks of child sexual abuse increase significantly.
In such conditions, timely identification of warning signs can mean a child’s life being saved.
A prompt response, appropriate actions, and ethical interaction with the child help not only stop the violence but also prevent re-victimisation and protect the child from further harm.
ILDC’s training is designed to help specialists recognise risks earlier, respond faster, and provide more effective support, contributing to the creation of safer communities where every child has a chance for protection, care, and recovery.
This training is about real impact —
about children whose lives can be saved through the attention and professional actions of adults.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Children of Heroes Foundation for their trust and engagement, and to all participants for their openness, depth, and willingness to work with such complex and sensitive topics.
Together, we are building a system in which every child is safe, and every specialist has the support, knowledge, and confidence to act professionally.