SOLOMON ISLANDS: Solomons Peace Process can Re-Traumatise Conflict Victims

Date: 
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Source: 
Radio Australia
Countries: 
Asia
Oceania
Solomon Is.
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Peace Processes

An expert in post-conflict peace building who is studying the Solomon Islands peace and reconciliation process says telling the truth can re-traumatise its victims.

Dr Karen Brouneus of the University of Otago in New Zealand says its especially true for women who experience sexual violence. Her study of the Solomon Islands experience will examine the effect on people's attitudes to trust, coexistence, peace and security.

Dr Brouneus' work on peacebuilding processes is based on her work in Rwanda where she demonstrated the importance of a gender perspective.

Geraldine Coutts asks if her work will be focused exclusively on women, or take a broader view of post conflict trauma.