unicefさんのインスタグラム写真 - (unicefInstagram)「“I am in great pain, my mother does not hear or understand me, I feel unwanted.” These are the heartbreaking words of 15-year-old Valia from eastern Ukraine. Her life had taken a turn for the worse after her mother lost her job and her stepfather began harassing her. On the same evening she ran away from home, Valia called Maryna, a psychologist, who works at a UNICEF-supported helpline. Maryna has lost count of how many calls she and her team of specialists have received since the start of the pandemic. But she cannot forget the callers.⁣ ⁣ “It was like an avalanche," says Maryna. “Family arguments, violence, loneliness of the elderly and adolescents are all consequences of self-isolation." To deal with an increase in calls, the helpline has expanded across eastern Ukraine and extended working hours.⁣ ⁣ The call Valia made to the helpline changed everything. First, Maryna gave her time to cry. Then, she helped her to breathe deeply, discussed the problem and considered possible solutions for a long time. After the call Valia decided to talk to her mother, telling her about her stepfather’s harassment. Valia’s mother believed her, divorced her husband and eventually stopped drinking.⁣ ⁣ “This man was later put in jail," says Maryna. "This threat is gone. The girl and her mother’s case is now managed by a mobile team [of psychologists] and they are trying to understand each other. And the woman has found a job." Family life has improved and Valia has started making plans for the future again.⁣ ⁣ “Psychologists in our team love their work at such moments,” says Maryna. “That’s why we don’t turn off our phones during the lockdown, even at night. We understand how important it is for children and adolescents to be heard.”⁣ ⁣ Social workers are a lifeline for vulnerable children and young people. Governments must step up to provide the support and protection they need and deserve.⁣ ⁣ © UNICEF/Filippov」1月19日 23時00分