Measures to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, such as school closures and restrictions of movement, place children at an increased risk of violence, neglect, and emotional and other distress.
Teachers and other professionals in educational institutions are those who have regular contact with children during distance learning. With this project UNICEF Slovenia wants to empower professionals in educational institutions. They will educate them on how to recognize domestic violence during restrictive measures. Guidelines for identifying violence and instructions on how to deal with violence during a pandemic will be developed in collaboration with key actors in child protection.
In addition to these activities they will also train volunteers in UNICEF Safe Points to provide appropriate assistance to children, since the local environment plays an important role in protecting children as well.
As a result of the project a commone guidelines on detection and prevention of domestic violece against children in times of COVID-19 measures will be produced and dissemintated to all Slovenian schools. A common policy on how to react and how to seek support will also be prepared and communicated to all key stakeholders. A comprehensive trainings for school workers (teachers, social workers, psychologists etc) will also be organized to make sure the guidelines are understood and accepted by all.