The International Day of Nonviolence is celebrated on October 2 every year in honor of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most important leaders of the nonviolent movement in history. The UN introduced this date as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of peaceful action, dialogue, and cooperation in conflict resolution, as well as to draw attention to human rights and the need to protect vulnerable populations.
Nonviolence as a philosophy and strategy encompasses the rejection of the use of physical or psychological violence to achieve political or social goals. This concept is closely linked to equality, justice, and human rights. It is of particular importance for those who face discrimination, prejudice, and violence daily - the LGBTIQ+ community, people living with HIV, people who use drugs, sex workers, and others.
One of the main problems of modern society is discrimination aimed at certain social groups, which often leads to their marginalization and social exclusion. For example, people living with HIV face constant stigmatization by society based on incorrect stereotypes about the ways of HIV transmission and the “morality” of the disease. This can lead to social exclusion, problems in accessing health services, and even violence based on their status.
Another vulnerable group is men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as the broader LGBTIQ+ community. These people often face legal discrimination, and physical and psychological violence, which can occur both at the individual level and by state authorities or social institutions. The violence is usually motivated by prejudice against their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sex workers are also one of the most vulnerable categories of the population. Due to the lack of legal protection and stigma, they face exploitation, physical violence, and even denial of access to basic health and social services. This group remains marginalized due to prejudices that prevent them from understanding their rights.
People who use drugs also face significant challenges in society. They are often stigmatized as “dangerous” or “criminal” elements, which contributes to their social isolation and limits their access to health and social services. Their rights are often ignored, and they are subject to discrimination, even by healthcare professionals.
Violence and discrimination against members of vulnerable groups can have serious psychological consequences. Chronic stress, depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses are often the result of constant pressure and social rejection. Therefore, psychological support is not only important but also vital for these people.
People living with HIV face severe life challenges starting from the moment of diagnosis. Feelings of fear, loneliness, and shame can lead to psycho-emotional crises. Psychological assistance is critical for them to maintain their mental health. Specialists help such people cope with anxiety, learn to accept themselves, and live a full life. In addition, counselors often work with the topic of stigma and social rejection, helping people not to withdraw into themselves.
Members of the LGBTIQ+ community often face personal and social problems caused by discrimination, misunderstanding, and rejection from society or family. This can lead to serious emotional trauma that requires professional support. Psychologists work with LGBTIQ+ people to facilitate acceptance of their identity, reduce feelings of guilt and shame, and develop coping mechanisms to overcome psychological stress. Another important part is working with transgender people who experience serious problems during their transition, including social, medical, and emotional aspects.
Sex workers face many challenges related to their activities: social isolation, violence, and fear of law enforcement. Many of them experience stress caused by constant danger and stigmatization, which can lead to emotional and mental disorders. Psychological support in this case focuses on working with past traumas, helping to restore self-esteem, and teaching them protective strategies that make them feel safer and more confident.
People who use drugs are in particular in need of comprehensive psychological support, as they face not only physical but also psychological addiction that destroys their lives. Psychological assistance here is aimed at working with the underlying problems that led to drug use, overcoming addiction, and developing life skills for successful social reintegration. This process includes work on overcoming stigma and developing supportive relationships with family and friends.
Non-violence, as a key principle in the fight for human rights, should include not only avoiding physical violence but also combating psychological and social pressure, which can be even more destructive. And systematic work to support vulnerable groups requires a multilevel approach, where developing a system of accessible and professional psychological assistance is extremely important. You can always get it and find “your” psychologist or psychiatrist by signing up for a consultation with a specialist at Help24 TeleHealth. Services are free and confidentiality is guaranteed. Remember: Help24 TeleHealth - we are here for you, wherever you are!