Women trauma survivors of the Rwandan genocide: A seven week group building exercise

George A Jacinto; Reshawna L Chapple; Hadidja Nyiransekuye; Olga Molina

doi:10.1921/gpwk.v27i1.1096

Authors

George A Jacinto Private Practice
Reshawna L Chapple School of Social Work, University of Central Florida
Hadidja Nyiransekuye University of North Texas
Olga Molina School of Social Work, University of Central Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v27i1.1096

Abstract

The article highlights the need for a support community group for women who survived the Rwandan Genocide, and who are completing groupwork for Post traumatic Stress Disorder. The authors review practice literature, discuss specific strategies for adult women, many of whom had been children during the genocide, and introduce a seven-week group experience that leads to development of a community of survivors. The seven-week group incorporates a Rites of Passage in association with a spirituality framework. The authors incorporate Rwandan cultural practices familiar to women who had lived in the country prior to the genocide.

Keywords: groupwork; group work; trauma; Rwandan genocide; PTSD; survivors; women

Author Biographies

Reshawna L Chapple, School of Social Work, University of Central Florida

Assistant Professor

Hadidja Nyiransekuye, University of North Texas

Assistant Professor in Social Work

Olga Molina, School of Social Work, University of Central Florida

Associate Professor

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