On November 21-22, 2024, a significant training session for specialists from the Kardzhali region was held at Glavatarski Han Complex. The event was organized as part of the "Trust for Our Children" project, funded by the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation. It brought together 17 magistrates and lawyers representing the Prosecutor's Office, the District Court, and the Bar Association of Kardzhali, providing them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children in conflict with the law.

The training covered a range of key topics aimed at increasing participants' awareness and effectiveness in dealing with children with deviant behavior. During the sessions, participants explored the different types of violence and how to recognize its warning signs. Discussions also focused on legislation and the application of legal norms in the context of domestic violence. Attendees learned how to respond appropriately in crisis situations and examined coordination mechanisms between various institutions when handling domestic violence cases. Lastly, the training emphasized the importance of self-care and stress management for professionals working in this field.

The psychodynamic approach used throughout the training allowed participants to actively engage in discussions and share practical experiences from their work.

During the training, participants exchanged observations and challenges they face in their professional activities. The key identified needs included:

• Lack of an effective coordination mechanism between different institutions.
• Need for direct contacts with representatives of other institutions.
• Challenges in establishing trust-based relationships with victims of violence, especially children.

The discussions sparked reflections on norms and cultural aspects related to domestic violence. A police representative and a prosecutor analyzed a specific case where a refusal to file a domestic violence case highlighted the need for better awareness of the legal and regulatory framework.

During the training, participants had the opportunity to work in small groups, analyzing the main characters from the film "The Angry Man". This interactive methodology sparked engaging discussions and analyses of mechanisms to meet the fundamental needs of victims of violence.

At the end of the training, participants expressed satisfaction with the session and emphasized the need for ongoing seminars on domestic violence. The key conclusions from the event highlighted that:

• Professionals need systematic training to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
• Tolerance and openness among different professionals play a crucial role in handling specific cases.
• Role-playing exercises and case studies from practice are essential for acquiring new knowledge and approaches.

The sensitization training in Kardzhali demonstrated that such initiatives not only enhance the qualifications of professionals but also create a network of contacts and mutual support, which is crucial for the successful work against domestic violence.