Short- and Long-Term Effects on the Victims of Terror in Sri Lanka
Title:
Short- and Long-Term Effects on the Victims of Terror in Sri Lanka
Author:
Somasundaram, Daya
Appeared in:
Journal of aggression, maltreatment & trauma
Paging:
Volume 9 (2005) nr. 1-2 pages 215-228
Year:
2005-04-04
Contents:
Due to two decades of ethnic war in Sri Lanka, victims of terror have been profoundly affected psychologically and socially. The impact is seen at the individual, family, and community levels. Epidemiological surveys show that civilians have experienced widespread traumatization, with high levels of somatization, anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relationship problems, and alcohol abuse. At the community level, the cumulative effect of terror is collective trauma, with a general tendency to mistrust, dependence, silence, withdrawal, passivity, and lack of motivation. Socially, there is evidence of deterioration in values and ethics with marked increases in child abuse, violence against women, crime, and brutalization.
Journal description