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EREMO SEMINAR 2002 Psychological
Consequences of Organized Violence and Terror: In recent years, the world has witnessed an escalation of violence and atrocities in an increasing number of armed conflicts. Modern warfare aims at threatening and fighting civilians rather than foreign armies. Mass expulsions, massacres, mutilations and even genocide have become commonplace. Over 100 states worldwide continue to utilize torture against political or cultural minorities in order to maintain power. These forms of severe human rights violations have devastating effects on individuals and communities alike. Many
victims of war suffer from injuries and medical diseases, primarily due to poor
hygienic conditions, absence of medical care, poverty and malnutrition. The
wounds of the psyche however are also extremely disabling. Having endured or
witnessed atrocious combat situations, torture, rape, or the abduction or
killing of a loved ones, can cause severe suffering, including nightmares,
flashbacks, constant fear and grief. In many cases these symptoms do not
dissipate over time. About 20-50 percent of civilians who have experienced war
and persecution find themselves victims of severe psychological distress as a
consequence of their traumatic experiences. Armed conflicts and violent
repression are certainly detrimental for community life. The social structure of
war-torn societies is destroyed when relatives and friends are dead or missing.
In addition, people often feel detached from one another, withdraw from social
activities, and are unable to re-establish family and community life. The
psychological and social wounds of wars, persecution and immense loss can
persist for decades and interfere with the reconstruction of functioning
societies.
vivo
works to overcome and prevent traumatic stress and its consequences within the
individual as well as the community, safeguarding the rights and dignity of
people affected by violence and conflict. vivo
further aims to strengthen local resources for the development of peaceful,
human rights-based, societal ways of living. The
NGO is an alliance of professionals experienced in the fields of
psychotraumatology, international health, humanitarian aid, scientific
laboratory and field research, sustainable development and human rights advocacy.
vivo
is an independent non-profit organization committed to the provision of services
to those who need it most regardless of their racial, ethnic, sexual, religious
or political affiliations. |
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