October 2 – International Day of Non-Violence.
What do you feel when you hear the word “violence”?
Something that should never happen? That should not take place? That should not affect anyone?
And yet violence exists. Unfortunately, every day a huge number of people experience it – including children.
What do you feel when you hear the word “violence”?
Something that should never happen? That should not take place? That should not affect anyone?
And yet violence exists. Unfortunately, every day a huge number of people experience it – including children.
Violence is not only visible acts of physical aggression. It also includes:
- psychological violence – humiliation, threats, controlling, isolating,
- economic violence – taking away the right to money or work,
- sexual violence – abuse and harassment,
- physical violence – beating, pulling, choking, pushing.
The International Day of Non-Violence reminds us that violence isn’t just something that happens to “other people.” It can happen to anyone—our loved ones, neighbors, or friends. It’s a time to stop and say out loud: there’s no excuse for violence.
One of the goals of the UN’s International Day of Non-Violence is to raise awareness of the scale of this problem, promote a life without violence through education on peaceful methods of conflict resolution, and promote values such as tolerance, dialogue, and respect for others, as well as raising awareness of the effects of violence in its various forms – from physical violence to psychological violence to systemic violence. The International Day of Non-Violence also aims to inspire social action to counteract violence and support those who experience it, both individually and globally.
The International Day of Non-Violence reminds us that each of us has the power to shape a world based on cooperation and understanding. By transforming our daily actions and decisions, we can contribute to building a more just and peaceful society.
One of the goals of the UN’s International Day of Non-Violence is to raise awareness of the scale of this problem, promote a life without violence through education on peaceful methods of conflict resolution, and promote values such as tolerance, dialogue, and respect for others, as well as raising awareness of the effects of violence in its various forms – from physical violence to psychological violence to systemic violence. The International Day of Non-Violence also aims to inspire social action to counteract violence and support those who experience it, both individually and globally.
The International Day of Non-Violence reminds us that each of us has the power to shape a world based on cooperation and understanding. By transforming our daily actions and decisions, we can contribute to building a more just and peaceful society.
Violence is characterised by the following:
- is intentional, which means that it is always a deliberate act,
- the forces are uneven, which means that one party always has an advantage over the other,
- it violates personal rights and interests, which means that the perpetrator, using their advantage of force, violates the victim’s fundamental rights, e.g. the right to physical integrity, dignity or respect,
- it causes suffering and pain, which means that the perpetrator exposes the victim’s health and life to serious harm.
Do not wait. If you are experiencing violence or witnessing it, seek help. The longer you wait, the longer the violence will continue…. You can help change your life – or someone else’s – today, right now. Take that first step and break the silence. Once you do, you will no longer be alone – and with someone supporting you, the journey will be easier.
Important telephone numbers:
- 24-hour helpline for people in crisis Crisis Intervention Centre in Lublin – 733 588 90
- Helpline for children and young people Crisis Intervention Centre in Lublin – 789 777 981 – every day, including public holidays, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- National helpline for victims of violence ‘Blue Line’ – 800 120 00
- Helpline for Children and Young People (Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę Foundation) – 116 11
- Children’s Helpline of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights – 800 12 12 1
- Helpline for parents and teachers on child safety – 800 100 10
- Helpline of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights – 800 121 21
- Helpline for Adults in Emotional Crisis – 116 123
- Police Helpline for Combating Domestic Violence – 800 120 226
- Support line for people in mental crisis – 800 70 22 22
Source:
https://pcprsiemiatycze.pl/n,miedzynarodowy-dzien-bez… access 03.10.2025
https://pcprsztum.pl/miedzynarodowy-dzien-bez-przemocy, access 03.10.2025
https://mopr.slupsk.pl/…/2-pazdziernika-miedzynarodowy…, access 03.10.2025