Why normalizing the first outbursts of aggression blocks the way out of toxic relationships

Why normalizing the first outbursts of aggression blocks the way out of a toxic relationship “He/She is just tired.” “He/She is going through a difficult time right now.” “He/She didn’t mean to offend me.” “Well, everyone can lose their temper sometimes.” This is how the first manifestations of aggression in a relationship can be explained. Especially if before that the partner behaved caringly, supported, was attentive and did not give obvious reasons to doubt his/her attitude. However, the problem is that …

Psychological flexibility: how to act even when it's difficult inside

Psychological flexibility: how to act even when it's difficult inside We can't always control what we feel. We can wake up anxious, sad, afraid of change, or doubt our own abilities. Sometimes we just want to postpone an important task, not respond to a message, not go to a meeting, or turn down an opportunity that seems too scary. Psychological flexibility is the ability to notice our own thoughts, emotions, and …

Decenter Men: when there is more to life than just relationships

Decenter Men: When there is a place in life not only for relationships “Decenter Men” is a concept that has been actively discussed in recent years. It is not about abandoning relationships, marriages, or men in general. And even less about hating them. “Decenter Men” suggests asking yourself a different question: what remains in my life if I remove the search for a partner from it for a certain period of time and …

You should have gotten back in shape by now: how societal pressure on women after giving birth affects mental health

"You should have gotten back in shape by now": how societal pressure on women after giving birth affects mental health "I've let myself down", "I need to lose weight urgently", "Something is wrong with me". The body can change after giving birth After giving birth, the body gradually recovers, but this process does not happen the same for everyone. It is influenced by: the presence of complications after childbirth, breastfeeding, sleep, nutrition, the level of physical and …

Why seeking psychological support should become the norm

Why seeking psychological support should become the norm For a long time, there was a stereotype that seeking help from a mental health professional was a last resort, resorted to only when "everything was really bad." For example, men were taught to be a "wall," to withstand any load, and to silently overcome challenges. However, the reality in which we live requires a revision of outdated ideas. Given the present, seeking help from a mental health professional is a last resort, which is resorted to only when "everything was really bad." For example, men were taught to be a "wall," to withstand any load, and to silently overcome challenges. However, the reality in which we live requires a revision of outdated ideas. Given the present, seeking help from a mental health professional is a last resort.

GREVIO's first report on Ukraine: achievements, gaps and next steps

GREVIO’s first report on Ukraine: achievements, gaps and next steps On 4 September 2026, GREVIO — the Council of Europe’s independent expert group on combating violence against women and domestic violence — published its first baseline report on Ukraine’s implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The experts noted the political will and changes that Ukraine has achieved despite full-scale Russian aggression. At the same time, they drew attention to the fact that the envisaged …

More than just a legal term: How important is a proper legal characterization of conflict-related sexual violence?

More than just a legal term: How important is a proper legal characterization of conflict-related sexual violence? More than just a legal term: How important is a proper legal characterization of conflict-related sexual violence? [1] The legal term “conflict-related sexual violence” (CRSV) has entered the legal system of Ukraine relatively recently. For example, this term was used in the National Action Plan to implement the Council resolution …

Body neutrality: how to make friends with your body

Body neutrality: how to make friends with your body Conversations about accepting your own body have become much more visible in recent years. Calls to love yourself, accept your appearance, not be ashamed of changes and not conform to imposed beauty standards are increasingly heard on social networks. For many people, this has become an important support. Not every day a person is satisfied with their own appearance. The body changes throughout life, and with it ...

Motherhood and Work: When Motherhood Becomes a Financial Vulnerability

Motherhood and work: when motherhood becomes a financial vulnerability Having a child can significantly change a woman's professional life. After having a child, many mothers take a break from work, return to it later, or choose employment that is easier to combine with care. This affects not only the number of working hours, but also income, career growth, and further professional opportunities. The "motherhood penalty" Economic consequences …

Gender quotas: how European countries are overcoming gender inequality in company management

Gender quotas: how European countries are overcoming gender inequality in corporate leadership The gender imbalance in corporate leadership is not just a question of representation. When women have fewer opportunities to advance to management positions, companies lose part of their professional potential, and society recreates the idea of who is “suitable” for making important decisions. One of the tools that European countries are using to overcome this imbalance is …