Eli – Perpetrator and Victim? A Case Report

The case report of a former member of an illegal paramilitary unit in Colombia illustrates how individuals who have experienced violence can themselves become perpetrators in a continuous cycle of violence during a civil war, and how perpetrators can also suffer psychological harm and trauma – especially when forced to commit cruel acts that violate human dignity and take lives. The material for the case presentation comes from interviews and narrations collected during a brief trauma therapy using the Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) method, in which the ex-combatant participated in as part of a reintegration program for demobilized illegal fighters. The course of therapy clearly demonstrates that even with limited means and resources, it is possible to provide vital support to traumatized individuals – helping them process their experiences, reduce the impact of trauma-related symptoms in daily life, and regain the ability to lead a self-determined life. The effectiveness of NET therapy has not only been demonstrated in ex-combatants but also in individuals who have experienced severe trauma from life-threatening events, including refugees. Above all, thecase report invites reflection on how psychological treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder can not only support individuals but also contribute to societal reconciliation and help break the cycle of violence.