Understanding the Roots and Impact of Violence and Psychological Recovery as Avenues to Reconciliation after Mass Violence and Intractable Conflict : Applications to National Leaders, Journalists, Community Groups, Public Education through Radio, and Children

doi:10.4324/9780203837993-22

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Understanding the Roots and Impact of Violence and Psychological Recovery as Avenues to Reconciliation after Mass Violence and Intractable Conflict

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ABSTRACT

In recent years, especially since the activities of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, the necessity for reconciliation in the aftermath of violence between groups and ways to promote it have received a great deal of attention (Bar-Tal, 2000; Lederach, 1995, 1997; Staub, 2006). Violence between groups often resumes (de la Rey, 2001), even when it has ended with peace treaties and agreements. Segments of one or both of the groups may find the agreements unacceptable, and/or deep feelings of insecurity, hurt, anger, and hostility may remain.