Being abroad — especially in a stressful situation, far from home and familiar support — it's important not only to adapt but also to take care of your safety. Below are key tips to help Ukrainians feel more confident and protected.
🔐 Keep your documents safe

    Make copies of all important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records) — both paper and digital.

    Keep the originals in a secure place, preferably with you. Do not hand them over to strangers.

    If your documents are lost — contact the Ukrainian consulate or local police immediately.

⚠️ Beware of fraud and human trafficking

    Do not accept suspicious offers of work, housing, or “help with documents.”

    Do not agree to travel with strangers to isolated places.

    Make sure any employment agreements are in writing and the company is verified.

    Never give your passport or phone to others as “collateral.”

📞 If you feel threatened, contact the local police or call the migrant support hotline (each country has its own number, e.g., in Poland: +48 22 490 20 44).
✅ Use only official assistance

    Seek support through government agencies, large international and local aid organizations: UNHCR, Red Cross, Caritas, Save the Children, and others.

    Find out where verified accommodation centers, volunteer hubs, and medical or social aid points are located.

    Avoid private “shelters” without recommendations or official registration.

🌐 Be cautious online and with personal information

    Do not post your exact location, document numbers, ticket photos, or interior images of where you're staying.

    Avoid clicking on suspicious links.

    Stay in touch only with people you trust.

    Enable two-factor authentication on social media and messaging apps.

⚖️ Follow the laws and customs of your host country

    Familiarize yourself with local laws — especially regarding migration, transportation, housing, and employment.

    Respect local behavior norms in public places, especially in religious or traditionally conservative regions.

    Do not neglect residence registration, even if your stay is temporary.

🧠 Take care of your mental and emotional well-being

    Stress, loneliness, and fear are normal reactions to forced displacement.

    Don’t hesitate to seek psychological help — it’s not weakness, but a mature decision.

    Major cities in Europe offer free mental health services for refugees.

    Stay in contact with friends and family — it provides a sense of stability.

👶 Monitor the whereabouts of children and teens

    Always know where your children are, who they’re with, and where they’re going.

    Teach them how to ask for help in an emergency (memorize the country’s emergency number).

    Do not leave children alone with unfamiliar people without supervision.

📌 Hotlines and support resources:

    Ukrainian Embassy in your host country — for emergency assistance and document replacement

    UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency): https://help.unhcr.org

    National anti-human trafficking centers — in each country (e.g., Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, etc.)

    Helpline Ukraine (in the EU): 0800 500 225 (or local number)

Remember: your safety is the priority.
Even far from home, you have the right to protection, respect, and support. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help, and say “no.”