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• Welcome to Ukraine Parenting Response set up to provide practical tips to parents and caregivers so they can help themselves and their children cope in the current crisis.
• All the tips can be downloaded in PDF formats and are open source to allow sharing.
• This page will continue to be updated as more resources become available.

Parents and caregivers are heroes: Protecting our children in a crisis

Helping children and parents cope Preventing child trafficking and sexual abuse

Tips to help parents prevent child trafficking and child sexual abuse,
and help children when someone they love dies. Tip3 8-14.

8: KEEPING OUR FAMILIES TOGETHER 

• Tell children that staying together will help keep them safe. 
• Keep children with you or someone you trust all the time.
• Hold their hand, have them walk in front of you. 
• Stay in the same vehicle with them. 

Even when you feel exhausted, you are amazing. Be proud of yourself.

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]

9: MAKING A SAFETY NOTE FOR EVERY CHILD

• A safety note is covered in plastic, or kept in a waterproof bag.
• Write the full name & phone number of you and three people you trust.
• Write any medication your child needs, any special needs or disability.
• Hide a safety note on every child (e.g.  in a pocket that they always wear, on a necklace or in their shoe)

You are being prepared – we are proud of you. 

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]

10: MAKING SAFETY PLANS WITH OUR CHILDREN

• Make a song or chant with your child so they memorize your full name and phone number, and number of someone you trust. Go over it every day.
• Every day, agree a clear place to meet if you are separated.
• Make copies or photos of all your identity documents. 
• Hide money or bank cards in different places, in case you lose your bags. 

Praise yourself for doing the best you can

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]

11: PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM TRAFFICKERS

• Teach your children that traffickers lie to get someone to work or have sex for them.
• Traffickers can be men, women, couples, in military clothes or coloured jackets.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels strange, get out immediately.
• Ask to see a photo ID before you accept anyone’s help, transport or a place to stay. If local police are there, check with them.

These will help you avoid danger, and find the honest people who want to help.

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]

12: TRAVELLING SAFELY WITH OUR CHILDREN

• Travel in a group of people you know.
• Keep someone you trust updated with your travel plans, where you are and who you are with.
• Make a code word with people you trust, to let them know if you are in danger.
• Don’t give your passport or ID documents to anyone.

Everything you do is protecting your children. You are incredible.

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]

13: PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL VIOLENCE

• Teach your child that nobody has the right to touch them
• Practice saying and shouting “no”
• Talk to them about dangerous places and people. 
• If abuse happens, believe your child. Tell them it is not their fault and that you love them. 

We know it’s hard, but talking with your child helps protect them. We are proud of you.

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]

14:  HELPING OUR CHILDREN WHEN SOMEONE WE LOVE DIES

• In simple words, tell them the person has died and will not come back.
• Clearly tell children who will be looking after them from now on.
• Listen to and accept whatever your child feels. Children may seem happy but be sad. 
• Do something together to say goodbye to the person – a song or letter or prayer. 

You must be hurting too. Take a moment to breathe. Be proud of yourself. 

[EU & free transport info here . Anti-trafficking hotlines here. UNHCR help for Poland and other countries. Teach your child the free Europe emergency call: 112]