ABSTRACT
In this following chapter we describe the psychosocial focus and recent experience of a pioneering organization in Colombia, that has developed its work as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) since its foundation in 1992, under the name Corporación AVRE (Apoyo a Víctimas de Violencia Sociopolitical pro Recuperación Emocional-Support and Emotional Recuperation for Victims of Sociopolitical Violence). We describe the focus of the intervention, which is characterized by the interaction and coordination of organizations that provide support to individuals and communities affected by political violence. In
addition, the intervention provides services directly to organizations of people who have themselves been affected by acts of violence. A central theme in our work is an understanding of emotional support as dynamically linked to community processes, sociopolitical and cultural contexts, and the resources of those affected and their families and social networks. The three modalities that comprise the Corporation’s model of psychosocial intervention include the following: procedures and actions for strengthening community-based organizations; the provision of direct clinical services; and the training of Popular (i.e., paraprofessional) Therapists (PTs) and Multipliers of Psychosocial Action, Mental Health, and Human Rights (MPAs). Each of these modalities is described next.
