vivo’s program areas

1. research
Being at the forefront of scientific knowledge in the field of psychotraumatology, vivo focuses on traumatic stress in different societal and cultural settings. This scientific research is carried out in the field as a way to systematically learn from the victims themselves and disseminate their knowledge. It is also a powerful means to critically examine the adequacy and usefulness of current aid measures.

2. programs
Building on vivo’s research, the organization develops, implements and evaluates evidence-based best practice interventions, focusing on individuals as well as communities affected by violence and conflict. In this respect, vivo carries out individual and community level initiatives, to alleviate human suffering from psychological trauma. vivo also promotes the engagement of community members in public mental health and human rights action, aiming at strengthening local resources for building functional and peaceful communities.

3. training
vivo provides training for local and international professionals who assist those who have fallen victim to psychological trauma and human rights abuse. In addition vivo trains key personnel in communities to enhance their capacity to understand trauma and its impact on people’s lives and the community’s future, as well as how to implement effective locally-based initiatives.

4. support
vivo provides technical planning, guidelines and evaluation support to public mental health programs. vivo also serves as a resource and expert referral center to governmental and humanitarian organizations, as well as to international agencies like the United Nations, European Union and the International Court of Justice.

5. advocacy
vivo raises awareness among the general public and decision-makers on issues related to psychological and social trauma and its consequences. vivo also documents violations of human rights and helps those affected find redress by working with national and international agencies. The organization aims to mobilize support by providing a powerful channel for the “victim’s voices” to be heard and by building local and global networks that address issues of traumatic stress and human rights abuse.

6. exchange
vivo’s intent is to bring together scientists, field professionals and those affected in order to foster collaboration for multi-disciplinary trauma and mental health research. vivo forges alliances and partnerships to mobilize international support and to enable a better understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic determinants for the mental health of people living in situations of violence and conflict. vivo will further maintain a scientific database, accessible internationally and containing state-of-the art knowledge relating to trauma research. vivo will also establish an archive for the documentation of testimonies of human right violations.