Violence Prevention

Violence prevention begins with recognising your own boundaries and respecting those of others. Culture Academy supports children, young people and adults in recognising conflicts, expressing themselves clearly and seeking support. We combine practical experiences with conversations about self-determination, responsibility and how we treat one another.

We use education through movement: guided games and partner exercises let participants experience the effects of closeness, distance and their own body language. Our educational methodology centres on age-appropriate learning, individual support and mutual responsibility. The aim is to expand people’s options for action, not their willingness to engage in a fight.

Recognising and Communicating Boundaries

A touch may be pleasant for one person and unwanted for another. We therefore practise noticing our own feelings, asking for consent and respecting a no. Clear stop signals and binding agreements provide the framework for shared practice. Anyone who does not want to take part in an exercise does not have to justify that choice.

This also involves the group’s responsibility. No one should be persuaded to disclose personal experiences or go beyond their boundaries. We take different needs and circumstances seriously and adapt tasks accordingly. The ethical principles and child protection standards of Culture Academy guide this work.

Addressing Conflicts Without Escalating Them

Depending on age and concerns, we explore how to recognise tense situations, communicate clearly and find ways to create distance or get help. In shared reflection, we distinguish between consensual play, an argument and a violation of boundaries. A game only remains a shared game if everyone involved respects its rules and boundaries.

People who experience violence are not responsible for it happening. A workshop cannot guarantee safety and does not replace an institution’s protective measures or professional counselling. Nor does civic courage mean putting yourself in danger. Organising support and involving others can be more important than intervening physically.

Sharing Responsibility with Institutions

For schools, youth groups and other institutions, we tailor the focus to the group and the specific occasion. This includes discussing needs, possible sources of distress and existing contact people beforehand. Afterwards, the shared experiences can help develop rules for interaction and ways of accessing support.

If you are planning a programme, tell us your target group and concerns. Schools wishing to find out about the Startchancen-Programm in Sachsen-Anhalt can find official guidance on the education portal. Whether a project can be funded, and under what conditions, must be clarified separately with the responsible authorities.