Explaining the Complex Simply: Teenagers Learned to Recognize Violence and Resolve Conflicts
On February 14, the High Hub Youth Center hosted two thematic events dedicated to violence prevention and nonviolent communication skills: “Your Story Matters” and “The Art of Quarreling.”
During the first session, participants discussed gender-based and domestic violence. Together, they explored its main forms—physical, psychological, economic, and sexual—and focused on how to recognize signs of violence in everyday life and respond appropriately.
The second session focused on “Conflicts and Nonviolent Communication.” It began with a discussion of the causes of conflicts, followed by a role-play scene, “Conflict Escalation,” which clearly demonstrated how words and tone can either escalate a situation or help resolve it.
The creative part of the session included an art exercise: teenagers drew their own “conflict monsters” and identified what “fuels” conflicts and what helps reduce them. This helped participants better understand their own reactions and behavioral patterns.
The session also covered the basics of nonviolent (assertive) communication. Psychologist Iurii Chumak shared a simple but effective formula:
- State the fact;
- Describe your feelings;
- Express your need;
- Make a request.
In practice, even harsh phrases were transformed into constructive communication. For example, instead of the emotional “Go away,” participants suggested: “I’m tired right now and not in the right mindset, so I’m a bit irritated. I need to rest; let’s talk about this later.”
The sessions were active and heartfelt, as the topics are relevant and meaningful to everyone. Learning to recognize violence while building dialogue without aggression is not only about avoiding conflicts but also about creating a safe environment where one feels heard and accepted.
These events were part of the “Skills of the Third Millennium” project, implemented by the High Hub Youth Center of the Vysochanska Village Council with the support of the Kharkiv Community Foundation “Toloka” within the “Community Pulse” project, funded by the Global Fund for Community Foundations.
With support High Hub Youth Center