2nd WSKZ Conference 'Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support' - an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems

The 2nd WSKZ Conference entitled "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" brought together a group of eminent professionals from a variety of fields, including psychology, psychotherapy, social and medical sciences. The event aimed to explore the contemporary challenges of psychological support for people affected by trauma resulting from flooding, war and domestic violence. The conference provided a unique opportunity to exchange of knowledge and experience in the face of such pressing social problemsthat the modern world is facing.

Diversity of participants and conference themes

The conference was attended by around 100 participants, including representatives from academia, students and social service providers such as MOPS and crisis intervention units. Such a broad representation from different fields showed the importance of exchange of knowledge and experience between specialistswho work with people experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

22 hours of lectures and workshops - three main thematic blocks

The 22 hours of lectures and workshops, delivered by 18 experts, provided participants with practical tools for working with people affected by trauma. Presentations were given by academics and practitioners, which allowed the transfer of theoretical knowledge embedded in the realities of everyday work.

The event was divided into three main thematic areas: flood trauma, war trauma and domestic violence trauma. Each of these topics provided a space for in-depth reflection on the psychological and social aspects of trauma, as well as knowledge of the latest research in the field.

Pre-conference meeting of multiple perspectives

A great deal of interest was shown in pre-conference workshopswhich addressed the topics of body work in stress reduction, psychological first aid and contact with a person after sexual violence. Participants had the opportunity to acquire practical skillswhich they can use in their daily work.

The speakers represented various professional backgrounds, from clinical psychology to education to the uniformed services. This made the conference an excellent opportunity to exchanges of experience and the combination of theory and practice.

Gala dinner - establishing links and cooperation

After the first day of the conference a gala dinner was heldwhich became an informal but valuable moment for networking and further exchange of reflections and experiences between the event's participants.

Building bridges between science and practice

The conference "The trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" was not only an opportunity to learnbut also to build bridges between different disciplines. We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their active participation, as well as their commitment to development of scientific cooperation and practical.

Meeting with an authority - Prof. Dariusz Dolinski in the series "In the Circle of Authorities"

Already on 4 June 2025 at 14:00, the second meeting of the "In the Circle of Authorities" series will take place. This time, the special guest will be Professor Dariusz Doliński, PhD - a prominent social psychologist, author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, including the book 'One Hundred Techniques of Social Influence', written together with Professor Tomasz Grzyb. The event will be streamed live online, allowing a wide audience to participate.

Manipulation all around us - how to recognise and defend against it?

The topic of the talk will be the everyday mechanisms of social influence - often unnoticed but extremely effective. Participants will learn, among other things:

• What are techniques for exerting influence - and why we succumb to them so easily.
• How to recognise manipulation attempts - both in private and professional relationships.
• How to defend yourself against peer pressure - and make decisions in a more informed manner.

The talk will be hosted by Dorota Wodecka, a journalist known for her insightful, inspiring conversations with authorities from the world of science and culture.

Meeting the champion - don't miss the broadcast

The meeting with Professor Dolinski is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how everyday interactions shape our decisions and emotions. The event is open and will be streamed live - we encourage you to book a time and join online. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and look at social mechanisms of influence from a completely new perspective.

Groundbreaking collaboration between the College of Vocational Training and the State Vocational College at the 7th Scientific Conference

On 5-6 June 2025  at the Prof. Edward F. Szczepaniak State Vocational College in Suwałki. Szczepaniak in Suwałki will host the 7th Scientific Conference. The event will address the key topic: "Competences, tasks and capacities of governmental and self-governmental bodies in the field of civil defence and counter-hybrid and anti-cognitive actions used by Russia on a large scale in Ukraine, as well as against the countries of Central and Eastern Europe". This unique endeavour is not only an opportunity to explore international security issues, but also to exchange experiences between academics and professionals in the field.

Scientific cooperation growing in importance

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław as co-organiser of the event, reaffirms its key contribution to shaping the academic space dedicated to security. The Managing Director of the College of Vocational Training, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, has assumed Honorary Patronage of the Conference, which is a great asset for the eventstrengthening the university's position in the international arena. Cooperation with the State Vocational College in Suwałki means an important step towards the development of scientific cooperation between universities.

Representatives of the College of Vocational Training

Representatives of our University will actively participate in the conference:

• Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences - Prof. Irena Malinowska, University of Applied Sciences;
• Director of the Institute of Law and Criminology - Dr Janusz Bryk;
• Director of the Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek.

Summary of guest lecture by Lt. Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat - prominent military psychologist and authority on mental toughness

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław hosted an extraordinary guest lecture by Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat, a world-class expert in military psychology, developmental psychology and leadership in extreme conditions.

Lecture topic - "Self-Regulation in Dealing with PTSD and PTG". (Self-regulation in the context of coping with post-traumatic stress syndrome and post-traumatic growth) - was met with great interest by the participants. Dr Rawat shared his unique knowledge and experience gained as an infantry company commander in the extreme conditions of the Siachen Glacier and as a psychologist at the elite National Defence Academy in India.

The lecture was interactive and concluded with a lively discussion. Students actively asked questions, often of a problematic nature, raising issues of practical aspects of self-regulation and psychological support for people after traumatic experiences. The meeting was not only a source of valuable knowledge, but also an inspiration to reflect on the role of mental resilience in the modern world.

Dr Rawat's visit to Wrocław had a wider dimension. On 22-23 May, he also participated as a speaker at the 2nd WSKZ Conference "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support", organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław. The event brought together prominent professionals involved in trauma support, and Dr Rawat's participation was highly appreciated by academics and practitioners.

During his stay in Wrocław, Dr Rawat also had the opportunity to explore the city - he visited, among others, the Racławice Panoramawhere he was accompanied by the Director of the Institute of Psychology and a representative of the Centre for International Cooperation. The meeting was not only an opportunity to exchange experiences, but also to strengthen international cooperation in the field of extreme psychology and intercultural education. We would like to thank all the participants for their activity and Dr Rawat for his inspiring speech, which will remain in the memory of the audience for a long time.

International meeting on human trafficking with an expert from the School of Vocational Training

29 May 2025 in Warsaw, in the conference rooms of the National Stadium, hosted a seminar of the European Crime Prevention Network EUCPN (European Crime Prevention Network). The theme of the event was prevention of trafficking in human beings with particular focus on public educationincluding in the context of the situation of migrants affected by the war in Ukraine. The seminar was organised in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and lasted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Speeches, debates and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The programme included speeches by representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations and the scientific community. Participants in the event included both Polish and foreign experts representing EU Member States. The seminar was held in English, which underlined its international character.

Our University represented by Dr Witold Yakimko, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Law of the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław. He took part in an expert panel on anti-trafficking research and education campaigns by universities and the private sector.

Guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari

On 25 May 2025, the School of Professional Training, Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security, hosted a guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari, entitled 'The Criminology and Homeland Security'. "Russian disinformation in the Middle East and North Africa - threats and challenges"..

The lecture was organised for second-level students of the criminology and provided an opportunity to deepen the understanding of contemporary information threats in a geopolitical context. Dr M. El Ghamari presented mechanisms of action of russian disinformation campaigns, their impact on regional security, particularly in Syria and Libya, and the challenges they pose to states and the international community.

The presentation was of great interest to students and was a valuable addition to the training programme in the area of threat analysis and contemporary forms of hybrid operations.

Psychology without borders: take part in WSKZ projects abroad and develop your competences

The WSKZ Centre for International Cooperation invites Psychology students to participate in international projects! Thanks to a partnership with the German organisation Pewobe g GmbH, the Centre for International Cooperation of the College of Vocational Training is pleased to offer Psychology students unique opportunities for professional and personal development through participation in two international projects: 

• Summer volunteering in Germany (Frankfurt (Oder), 20 July to 15 August 2025) - participation in the organisation of an international summer camp for young people, creation of workshops and activities. Costs are covered by the European Solidarity Corps. 
• "Pop-up Village" in Germany (Herzershof, from 1 to 29 June 2025) - working on projects in the fields of sustainability, ecology and community life, with the possibility of full EU EVS funding. 

Participation in the above projects is a great opportunity to develop your competences, learn languages, expand your international network and gain valuable experience. 

Applications: email the International Cooperation Centre and we will send you all the necessary information: cwm@wskz.pl. 

Number of places limited. Don't miss the opportunity for growth and international adventure!

Participation of the Higher School of Vocational Training in the International Scientific Conference in Kharkiv

27 May 2025 an international scientific conference entitled "State Building and Local Government Research Institute of the NAPrN of Ukraine" took place in Kharkiv. "Legal regulation of public management and local government: comparative experiences and contemporary challenges".

The event was organised thanks to international cooperationwhich is based on a partnership agreement between our university and the Ukrainian side, and thanks to the commitment and support of the His Magnificence the Rector, the Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation and the Dean. The conference organisers would like to thank the University authorities for their kindness, trust and active support of international initiatives.

Papers by representatives of our University

At the conference attended by representatives of the College of Vocational Trainingwho presented interesting scientific papers.

 "Metropolitan governance in local government systems in the context of contemporary challenges".

Prof. Dr. Zdzisław Sirojć in his paper he discussed the specificities of managing large urban agglomerations, which are becoming key centres of socio-economic life. Professor Sirojć analysed models of metropolitan governance in selected European countries, and pointed to the need for a flexible legal framework to enable effective coordination between different local government units. Particular attention was paid to challenges such as suburbanisation, sustainable transport, housing policy and crisis management.

"Digitisation as a factor in the transformation of local governance: e-services, transparency and citizen trust".

Prof. Dr. Janusz Soboń and Dr. Ruslana Seleznova presented the role of digital transformation in public management at the local level. In the paper examples of implementation of local government e-services were presented, the impact of digital tools on the quality of public services and mechanisms to increase the transparency of government operations. It also points to the growing the importance of citizens' trust in public institutions as a result of effective digitalisation, transparency and public participation.

 "Local government in multidimensional crises: legal challenges and adaptation strategies".

Prof. Dr. Jacek Stasiak focused on analysing the functioning of local governments in the midst of complex crises - economic, health, environmental and political. He presented proposals for legal and institutional solutionswhich can support the resilience of local structures in the face of unpredictable challenges. The paper also included examples of good practice from Poland and other EU countries on crisis management and adaptation of public services.

 "Comparative analysis of local government systems in Central and Eastern European countries: between normative frameworks and implementation practice".

Prof. Dr. Adam Muszyński in his speech gave a comprehensive overview of the models of self-governance in the countries of the region, pointing out both common features and differences due to historical and institutional conditions. The gap between formal legal regulations was highlighted and the actual practice of local governance, which is important for the effectiveness of decentralisation reforms. The paper also included recommendations on increasing management efficiency and civic participation.

Importance and effects of participation in the conference

The presentations by our researchers were of great interest to conference participants - both from academia and public administration practitioners. Each of the speeches concluded with a lively discussion and exchange of experiences, confirming the importance of the topics covered in the context of contemporary challenges for the public sector.

As a result of the conference a peer-reviewed scientific monograph is plannedcontaining expanded versions of the presented papers. This publication will become an important tool for further international scholarly dialogue and exchange of good practices in public management and local government reforms.

Once again, we would like to thank the University authorities for the enabling participation in this important event and we look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation.

Cyber-abuse and the world of screens - workshop with Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko is over

On May 25, 2025, second-semester psychology students had the opportunity to take part in a unique workshop conducted by Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko. The event, organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Education, took place in a stationary format at LO V at 14 Jacka Kuronia Street in Wrocław. The participants - in an intimate group of 25 people - were explore the problem of addiction to new technologies screen and digital social networks.

What was the workshop about?

The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive use of digital media and the presentation of diagnostic models to assist in the diagnosis of so-called 'cyber-behaviour'. Issues such as:

• The social nature of man and the impact of information and image avalanches;
• The neurobiological consequences of using screen technologies;
• mechanisms leading to disruption in the digital world;
• tests and diagnostic pathways;
• assumptions for the treatment and prevention of cyber-bullying.

What knowledge did the participants gain?

The students not only enhanced their theoretical knowledgebut also gained practical skills. Thanks to the workshop format, participants:

• understood the correlations between the misuse of technology and the development of cyber disorders;
• have acquired methodological competence in problem recognition;
• have learned to propose adequate preventive actions.

The meeting was chaired by a recognised expert in prevention and education, by Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko, was met with great interest and commitment from students.

Dr Witold Yakimko from the School of Vocational Training in the team working on a law to protect victims of human trafficking

26 May 2025 in Warsaw, another meeting of the expert group established by a joint decision of the Minister of the Interior and Administration and the Minister of Justice was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. The purpose of the team's work was to Development of a draft anti-trafficking law.

The group included representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, other ministries, relevant uniformed services, NGOs and research centres dealing with and combating trafficking in human beings.

The complex challenges of trafficking in human beings

Human trafficking is one of the most difficult crimes to detect and prosecute. Its transnational and cross-border nature means that it often involves multiple countries and requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies. An additional difficulty is the complexity of the investigations - the victims are sometimes intimidated and perpetrators operate within organised structuresusing sophisticated methods to conceal criminal activity.

Equally important are the challenges in the area of victim protection. Victims need comprehensive supportThis includes legal, psychological, social and, in many cases, medical assistance. This assistance requires the involvement of numerous institutions and long-term coordination.

Why is a separate law needed?

The new law has the potential to clean up prevention efforts, law enforcement and victim assistance. The need for it stems from the need to regulate these issues based on existing solutionssuch as the Anti-Drug Addiction Act or the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.

Significantly, the draft legislation is also intended to implement the international obligations of the Republic of Poland, including obligations under international agreements and European Union directives. Its development required the involvement of experienced specialists from various disciplines - including lawyers, criminologists and psychologists.

Expert of the Higher School of Vocational Training in the composition of the team

Dr Witold Yakimko, assistant professor at the Institute of Law of the University of Vocational Training, participated in the work of the team. He represented both our University and the La Strada Foundation - organisation, which he has helped pro bono for many years, committing himself to the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.