PEACE Centre's Purpose
Ensuring that people affected by violence and other traumatic events have better access to professional psycho-social services and that there is an increased understanding of the impact of trauma.
This is achieved through:
- Increased decentralised support and involvement in trauma intervention through other service providers and affected communities. This involves training other service providers and the development of community-based interventions in the prevention and treatment of traumatic stress.
- Facilitating access to professional psychological services including counselling and psychotherapy for trauma victims.
The provision of counselling and therapeutic interventions is achieved through the provision of psychological services to trauma victims mainly in the Centre itself but also by professional psychologists who on a pro bono basis provide services to PEACE Centre clients.
Violence prevention and non-violent communication strategies in communities as a way of forestalling trauma
Violence prevention is necessary in light of the fact that political independence in Namibia did not necessarily lead to a decrease in violence or the violence potential. Instead, it seems that new "battle lines" are emerging as economic and socio-demographic circumstances are changing. Increasingly PEACE engages in interventions aimed at affecting violence prevention in communities. This is done in recognition of the potential of preventative work in the "building of peace bridges" as well as for the forestallment of subsequent psychological damage. More specifically the Alternatives to Violence Project, in which PEACE has been active since the start of 2006 involves an experiential learning process aimed at teaching participants about a new approach in conflict-resolution, dealing with anger and other violent feelings, and problem-solving.
Skills multiplication and capacity building throughout Namibia
Apart from the basic services provided by government, PEACE Centre is the only organisation that provides professional psychological services to grass-roots communities in Namibia.
PEACE Centre's psychosocial-service provision, for practical and logistical reasons, has largely been confined to the Windhoek area. However, we are aware that the need for psychosocial interventions is as acute in remote rural areas as it is in the urban setting.
Having realised this, PEACE Centre embarked on a strategy to multiply the effects of our work throughout Namibia.
PEACE therefore is committed to increasingly build the capacity of partner organisations, individuals involved as service providers, government departments and other agencies that are in contact with trauma victims. This strategy is aimed at increasing the skills and knowledge in being able to provide appropriate and professional service to trauma victims, thereby increasing the ability for recovery of victims and reducing the impact of traumatic events.
