The microcosms of violence
Acts of violence are often studied as facts, not as cultural and symbolic expressions.Within this article,
the author will shed light on another dimension; explaining how a personal experience of unprovoked
assault changed the author’s scholarly vision of the intrusive nature of violence, as well as how violence
in£uences the subjective perception of victims. He will show that during that moment of violence, all
cultural meaning unravels and the social imagery of the perpetrator is internalised by those that are victimised.
The aim of this article is twofold: a) that the speci¢city of violence needs very speci¢c attention
in terms of intervention and rehabilitation, and b) that objecti¢cation, especially during genocide, but
also other war crimes, provides a key role as to how violence is experienced. Further, the author shows
that violence is an intrusive act, where the will of the perpetrator is forced to become the will of the victim.
In: Intervention: Journal of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Conflict Affected Areas, ISSN 1571-8883 | 14 | 2 | July | 117-127
http://www.interventionjournal.com/sites/default/files/The_microcosms_of_violence.5.pdf