Supporting Communities Affected by Violence: A Casebook from South Africa (Oxfam Development Casebook Series)

More than 15,000 people have been killed, and 500,000 displaced, during years of low-intensity civil war in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. This book describes the work of the KwaZulu-Natal Programme for Survivors of Violence (KZN-PSV), which (with the support of Oxfam) helps communities to grapple with the complex social, economic, political, and psychological problems posed by the conflict. A framework to guide interventions in such circumstances is outlined, and the application of this framework in work with children, youth, women, and local leadership is described in detail. The final chapter summarizes the principles of intervention which inform the work of KZN-PSV, and identifies the fundamental elements that have contributed to its sustained success.The book is written for community leaders in any society damaged by civil conflict; for development agencies which support such communities; and for students and teachers of community-development theory and practice. Its theoretical framework is sufficiently non-specific to be applied usefully in a broad range of situations. More Than 15,000 People Have Been Killed And 500,000 Displaced During Years Of Low-intensity Civil War In The South African Province Of Kwazulu-natal. This Book Describes The Work Of The Programme For Survivors Of Violence (psv), Which (with The Support Of Oxfam) Helps Communities To Grapple With The Complex Social, Economic, Political, And Psychological Problems Posed By The Conflict. A Framework To Guide Interventions In Polarised Communities Is Outlined, With A Detailed Description Of Its Application To Work With Young People (especially The Male Members Of Gangs And Paramilitary Units), Children, Women, And Local Leaders. The Final Chapter Summarises The Principles Which Inform The Work Of The Psv, And Identifies The Fundamental Elements That Have Contributed To Its Sustained Success. The Book Is Written For Community Leaders In Any Society Damaged By Civil Conflict; For Development Agencies Which Support Such Communities; And For Students And Teachers Of Community-development Theory And Practice. Its Theoretical Framework May Be Applied Usefully In A Broad Range Of Situations.--back Cover. The Story Of South Africa -- The Story Of Kwazulu-natal -- Initial Responses To The Conflict In Kwazulu-natal -- Understanding Civil Violence -- Plans Into Action: The Process Of Intervention -- Work With Young People -- Work With Women -- Work With Children -- Work With Community Leaders -- Reflections On The Work Of The Kwazulu-natal Programme For Survivors Of Violence. Craig Higson-smith. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 138-139) And Index. Front Cover ......Page 1 Title Page ......Page 4 Copyright ......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 1. The story of South Africa......Page 12 2. The story of KwaZulu-Natal......Page 17 3. Initial responses to the conflict in KwaZulu-Natal......Page 28 4. Understanding civil violence......Page 47 5. Plans into action: the process of intervention......Page 63 6. Work with young people......Page 71 7. Work with women......Page 97 8. Work with children......Page 106 9. Work with community leaders......Page 119 10. Reflections on the work of the KZN-PSV......Page 130 Bibliography......Page 149 Index......Page 151