TY - JOUR PY - 2013// TI - Sexual transgression and social disconnection: healing through community-based sociotherapy in Rwanda JO - Culture health and sexuality A1 - Richters, Annemiek A1 - Rutayisire, Theoneste A1 - Slegh, Henny SP - S581 EP - S593 VL - 15 IS - Suppl 4 N2 - A distinguishing feature of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the preceding 1990-1994 war in Rwanda was the social intimacy of the crimes committed. The legacy of this kind of violence includes distrust in social relations within communities and families, an increase of violence in everyday social interaction, transgressive sexual engagements, and a range of psychological problems. Many people feel nostalgia for their past social life, but are unable to change their current situation. In 2005, a community-based sociotherapy programme was introduced into this context of mental and social distress. The goal was to help people regain feelings of dignity and safety and to reduce distress. This paper is based on qualitative research, in particular, case studies. It explores how sociotherapy, as a specific form of peer group counselling, may facilitate the healing of suffering related to issues of sexuality, violence within the family and the breakdown of social connections on a community level.
Language: en
LA - en SN - 1369-1058 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2013.780261 ID - ref1 ER -