Post Election Violence & Development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Recent advances in psychological research indicate that traumatic events can have effects on the victims, perpetrators and those who witness them. The key concept is that no one sees a disaster and is untouched by it. The Kenyan post election violence of 2007/2008 was sudden, completely unpredictable and at least beyond normal range of one`s psychological defense system irrespective of age, sex and status. This may have created a sense of vulnerability and anxiety that may put the children at risk of long term psychological difficulties. The study in this publication evaluates the traumatic experiences of those who were exposed to post election violence in Kenya in 2007/2008 (primary survivors), those who witnessed the same (secondary survivors) and PTSD among the survivors. Interventions have also been highlighted to assist survivors lead productive lives.