Domestic violence is a highly prevalent form of violation of human rights. Victims often exhibit trauma symptoms and/or suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Identifying individuals at...Show moreDomestic violence is a highly prevalent form of violation of human rights. Victims often exhibit trauma symptoms and/or suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Identifying individuals at risk for PTSD can sometimes be difficult, yet it is the key in ensuring prevention of later treatment. The solution might be recognition of early trauma-specific symptoms that are predictors of PTSD and can be detectable through spontaneous narratives. Under extreme stressors individuals experience even more distress, which can amplify pre existing trauma symptoms. This study investigated the linguistic characteristics of trauma specific symptoms over two periods – before Covid-19 and during Covid-19 in a domestic violence (DV) victims’ group and a control group. The sample consisted of a total 4413 Subreddit posts that were analyzed using the software Language Inquiry and Word Count. The following categories were investigated: word count, cognitive processes, 1st person singular pronoun, positive emotions, and death. A MANOVA analysis showed that the linguistic markers of trauma were stronger in the victims group compared to control. Victims had longer narratives that included more 1st person singular pronouns, and fewer cognition words and fewer positive emotion words. However, the markers did not differ over the two time periods. The results indicate that victims exhibit stronger trauma-specific discourse compared to control. Unlike self-reports, linguistic analysis of natural word use is free from response bias, a problem often encountered by clinicians. Analysis of linguistic characteristics of spontaneously written material can contribute to early detection of trauma symptoms and prevention of PTSD.Show less
The purpose of this thesis is to analyse to what extent restorative justice and reconciliation processes take into account the needs of the victims of the non-abducted victims and victims of child...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to analyse to what extent restorative justice and reconciliation processes take into account the needs of the victims of the non-abducted victims and victims of child soldiers in post-conflict Northern Uganda. In order to do this, this thesis will firstly put the case study into a historical perspective, and will then compose a theoretical framework linking restorative justice and reconciliation to sustainable peacebuilding. A thorough analysis of the existing restorative justice practices and the specific role of the victims in these practices will be examined. Finally, by identifying the needs of these victims, and the limitations in their correct representation in current restorative justice practices, this thesis aims to find out how non-abducted victims deal with a legacy of a painful past whilst simultaneously constructing a foundation for sustainable peace.Show less
This bachelor’s thesis deals with the topic of collective memory in Latin America. It analyzes the role of the Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica (CNMH) in the construction of collective memory...Show moreThis bachelor’s thesis deals with the topic of collective memory in Latin America. It analyzes the role of the Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica (CNMH) in the construction of collective memory and concludes that it can be understood as a new approach to peace building. The thesis is divided into three parts: first it gives a theoretical background about the concept of collective memory. The second part deals with collective memory in the Southern Cone of Latin America and shows recent developments in the field. The third part turns to the Colombian case study. Here the Colombian conflict is shortly explained and the CNMH tasks are presented. Thereafter the discussion follows, which concludes that the construction of collective memory can be understood as a peace-building tool. In this context the focus of the CNMH on the victims is explained. The focus on the victims in the construction of collective memories about the Colombian conflict serves as a tool to relieve them from the psychological burden that presses on their shoulders due to the experienced violence. In addition the victims serve as a common denominator in memory, since by the focus on the victims the actual cause of the conflict, political and societal polarization, is taken out of the focus of the public commemoration process. In addition to that, by the focus on the victims, the CNMH registers civil society’s voices and ensures that they are heard. By giving civilians a greater level of participation in the public debate, the civil society becomes a third party actor, which is seen as crucial to an enduring peace process.Show less
