Solution to win: a self-defense booklet published in Ukraine

Ukrainian activists published a self-defense booklet for women with disabilities. 

The Autonomy Foundation presented the work called "No means NO!"

What's the problem?

Olesya Yaskevich, a public activist in the field of inclusion and the founder of the NGO "Seeing with the Heart", said:

"I work with girls and women who have complex developmental disorders. Usually they need constant support. Unfortunately, we do not have sex education for people with disabilities. Problems begin when girls grow up and start their relationships. They lack information about safe and acceptable behaviour,  recognizing that someone is engaging in certain sexual acts. Individuals who constantly need help and may not know and understand what violence is are at increased risk."

What's the issue?

The Autonomy Foundation has published a booklet of protection and self-defense for women with and without disabilities "No means NO!"

"These booklets are the first glimmer of hope in this area of ​​overcoming violence, but parents and specialists also need training," says Olesya Yaskevich.

How does it work?

Booklet answers such questions:

• how to recognize violence;
• what types of violence exist;
• how to respond to violence in different places (at home, at school, at work, etc.);
• what tools you can use to secure yourself.

You can download a booklet via link on the Autonomy Foundation website in two versions:

• easy to read – shortened text written in a larger font in a simplified form. Recommended for women with mental disorders, will be more convenient to read for people with impaired vision or younger girls;
• classic – written with more complex terminology.

Organizations working with girls and women can pre-order printed copies of the booklets.