The Role of the Environment in Preventing Abuse and Fostering Safe Relationships

On Tuesday, 5 May 2026, an event titled “The Role of the Environment in Preventing Abuse and Fostering Safe Relationships” will be held at the Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m.

The meeting addresses the important question of responsibility for creating a safe environment within the Church and wider society. It will focus on how the environment – whether a community, institution, or interpersonal relationships – can actively contribute to preventing abuse while fostering the development of safe, healthy, and responsible relationships.

The event is especially valuable due to the visit of Fr. Dr. Hans Zollner (SJ), one of the world’s leading authorities in safeguarding.

It will bring together theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives, providing a space for in-depth professional dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the further development of practices that contribute to a safer environment for all.

PROGRAM / SCHEDULE

11:00–11:30

Presentation of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct for Creating a Safe Environment in the Catholic Church in Slovenia

Presented by:

• Benjamin Tomažič
• Fr. Tomaž Mikuš DJ

11:30–11:45

Break

11:45–12:30

Roundtable Discussion:

“The Role of the Environment in Preventing Abuse and Building Safe Relationships”

Moderator:

• Benjamin Tomažič

Participants:

• Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ
• Fr. Tomaž Mikuš, SJ (translation)
• Dr. Tanja Repič Slavič
• Dr. Matjaž Celarc

You are cordially invited!

Additional Training Courses

• Safeguarding Basics (TEOF):

https://www.teof.uni-lj.si/oblikovanje-okolij-varnih-in-odgovornih-odnosov-ter-zascita-otrok-in-ranljivih-oseb 

• Institute of Anthropology (Gregoriana):

https://www.unigre.it/en/anthropology/ 

• Online course (Integrum)

https://institut-integrum.com/spletni-tecaj-safeguarding/ 

• International platforms

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/institutes-academies-and-centres/institute-of-child-protection-studies/our-research/current-projects/partnership-with-global-safeguarding-alliance/webinars-and-knowledge-translation 

https://talitakumi-safeguarding.com/ 

Events and conferences

• International Conference (June 2026)

https://internationalsafeguardingconference.org/ 

Therapy Program at TEOF

• Marriage and Family Therapy (TEOF)

https://www.teof.uni-lj.si/studij/studijski-programi/zakonska-in-druzinska-terapija