Community Responses to Polarization, Social Fragmentation, and Violence
About this Event
Community Responses to Polarization, Social Fragmentation, and Violence
Drawing on her extensive international experience in trauma-informed practice, violence prevention, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, Viitasaari will examine the connections between trauma, violence, and social cohesion. The presentation will highlight how unaddressed trauma can be transmitted across generations and how early intervention, dialogue, and community engagement can break these cycles.
Attendees will learn practical approaches for strengthening resilience, rebuilding trust, and fostering safer, more inclusive communities. The session connects local experiences with broader peacebuilding efforts, offering actionable insights for preventing violence and promoting sustainable peace and human security.
Agenda
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Meet & Greet the Presenter
Host: Elina Viitasaari
Info: Elina Viitasaari is a trauma-informed practitioner, violence prevention specialist, and human rights advocate from Finland. She works as a UN Representative for Center for Global Nonkilling and has worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of violence in prisons, victim support services, shelters, and community-based prevention programs.
Her expertise spans trauma, sexual and gender-based violence, youth street violence, and the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda. She has contributed to international human rights and peacebuilding initiatives with the United Nations system and civil society organizations and currently serves on the Steering Group of the Finnish Women, Peace and Security Network.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Presentation
Info: The session will explore how unresolved trauma, social exclusion, and declining trust contribute to cycles of violence — from interpersonal and youth violence to broader community and societal conflicts.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Q&A
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
