THEME

“Exploring Alternatives to Violence – Listening for Peace”

Violence is a social reality, which occurs in various relationships, such as in families, in workplace, at schools, in peer groups.

Many people are involved with “structural violence”, which appears as unjust distribution of wealth, poverty, marginalization, and discriminated access to medical care, or as education depending on one´s class, unemployment and xenophobia.

Experiencing violence leaves a lasting impact that changes people and affects their thoughts, feeling and actions.

TES especially are confronted with this situation as they ensure both anonymity and no judgement, a prerequisite to a confidential dialogue.

Simply to be able to talk to someone – also in the middle of the night – not to lose face, to be accepted and understood, is a precondition for some- one who wishes to consider and take the next step out of a violent crisis.

The congress will be focusing on three dimensions:

1. One‘s inner self and the quality of thoughts, emotions and actions

2. Violence structures in society and social environment

3. Relationship quality in various roles and situations.

 Co-Sponsors