The psychosocial effects of organized violence and torture: A pilot study comparing survivors and their neighbours in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Studies of survivors of organized violence and torture are uncommon in the African setting. Studies of the psychosocial effects of organized violence and torture are even less common. A Zimbabwean study comparing survivors of organized violence and torture with their neighbours was carried out in one previously war-affected area of Zimbabwe. The findings indicated that survivors were more economically and socially deprived than their neighbours in many key areas, especially the areas of employment, income, food security and housing. In addition, survivors showed indications of lower self-esteem and belief that they could change their situation.



Seen in the context of the increasing real poverty in Zimbabwe, the findings suggest that survivors of organized violence and torture represent a disabled group that may require targeted assistance by the State in order to overcome the social adversity they experience. The findings also indicate the need to assess more carefully the psychosocial as well as the medical consequences of organized violence and torture, especially in a region where epidemic levels of violence have been experienced in recent decades.



Journal of Social Development in Africa Vol 15 No 2 2000, pp. 137-168