Sadly, trauma is too common, particularly in families. Intergenerational trauma is a term used to describe the “passing down” of traumatic impact and emotional fallout. It has been proven that such trauma can create ripples of behaviors and perceptions affecting many generations of the same family for much longer than members realize.

At times family members might not realize or be aware of how traumatic events in the past have shaped their outlook on life, which results in becoming reluctant to call it out. Descendents can experience difficulties with attachment, general disconnection from their extended families and culture, and high levels of stress from family members who are dealing with the impacts of trauma.

According to Tamara Hill, a licensed therapist and certified trauma professional, intergenerational trauma can negatively impact families as a result of: 

1. Unresolved emotions and thoughts about a traumatic event.

2. Negative repeated patterns of behavior including beliefs about parenting.

3. Untreated or poorly treated substance abuse or severe mental illness.

4. Poor parent-child relationships and emotional attachment.

5. Complicated personality traits or personality disorders .

6. Content attitude with the way things are within the family.

We warmly invite you to join this webinar INTERGENERATIONAL LAGACIES OF 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI IN RWANDA monday, 11 April 2022, 1:00-2:15 pm EST/ 7:00-8:15 CAT AND CMT for more discussions about these subjects. 

This International Center for MultiGenerational Legacies of Trauma webinar is held, in collaboration with the Genocide Survivors Foundation, in observance of Rwanda's official week of mourning. Participants will discuss parenting and the challenges of raising children after the genocide.

Speakers:
Marie Grace Gasinzigwa Kagoyire
Thérèse Uwitonze
Jacqueline Murekatete

written by Basil Boris Kanyamibwa