A healing-centred approach to violence prevention

In South africa, and many countries across the world, youth are often the victims and perpetrators of violence. Often society wishes to impose punitive measures to ensure redress. However, the academy over the last 23 years have begun to understand very deeply that many youth who are perpetrators of violence, have suffered deep and complex trauma. A holistic approach that recognises the whole human being and seeks to assist in excavating trauma, provides the best approach to ensuring that youth remain on a positive developmental trajectory, as it fosters connection with self, others and the environment. This healing centred approach places youth and their potential at the centre. It uses young peer as peer youth instructors, and the power of nature to cultivate wholeness, wellbeing and resilience. A healing-centred approach also recognises the need for a continuum of support and ongoing practice as it ensures that youth can change their embodiment from one of fear and sujugation to one of freedom and joy.