With the implementation of the “Vivificarte” strategy, the Victims Unit provides psychosocial support to 63 women to generate actions for emotional and social transformation in the midst of the consequences left by the armed conflict.

From different places of origin and with different ages, but with something in common, 63 women victims of violence in Norte de Santander and Arauca bet on overcoming in the middle of the past marked by events that affected their integrity, freedom and sexual formation.

Their lives were changed by the armed conflict, many of them forcibly became mothers, others saw their dreams and hopes die due to the actions of those who founded fear and threats in the midst of an armed conflict that today leaves countless stories to tell of women who, at present, promote actions of coexistence and reconciliation.

“Vivificarte strategy is a measure of satisfaction that we implement in the comprehensive reparation route, which has allowed us to create a closeness and learn about the human meaning of these women who today are worthy of admiration and who, in the midst of the circumstances, they have made progress in rebuilding their stories. The Victims Unit seeks with this process to strengthen their life projects, recover and maintain self-confidence”, said the entity's territorial director, Alicia María Rojas Pérez.

The official explained that the sessions were held in person in Arauca with 15 women who, through art and crafts, developed skills and abilities that allowed them to recognize their positive aspects and project their life plans.

“For me it was a very emphatic reflection on our lives, it was something of edification that we had at that time, I liked the way we worked on the issues, reflections on how to act, how to identify ourselves, it was something very special, really It has been a building for my life and my home”, said Mayr *, one of the victims of sexual crimes in the municipality of Arauca.

In Cúcuta and Ocaña, the sessions were held virtually where the psychosocial team managed to empower the 48 women who participated in the strategy in this department. “They contributed to the strengthening of my life project, to my identification, to my love for each of my capacities and abilities; Through this strategy I was strengthened, today I am clear about who I am and about many other concepts”, said Diana *, one of the victims of crimes against integrity, freedom and sexual training in Cúcuta.

In Ocaña, the participating women assured that “Vivificarte” became a roadmap for transformation and projection. “Learn to look at the bad that happened to us, what has happened to us with other perspectives and not let this affect us all our lives, that it always hurts us; We have to fight and move forward despite all the difficulties and obstacles that sometimes come up in life”, said Cecilia *, another beneficiary of the strategy.

According to the National Information Network, as of September 30, 2020 there is a record of 206 statements in Arauca and 1.007 in Norte de Santander of people who are victims of crimes against integrity, freedom and sexual training in the development of the conflict.

* Names changed at the request of the victims. 

(End/CEG/CMC/LMY)