The greatest challenge for policymakers and practitioners in any transition out of war is to build peace and trust in communities that have experienced prolonged or repeated violence, and to transform harmful relationships, attitudes, and behaviours forged during conflict, thus reducing the risk of a return to violence. There is increasing recognition that collective and individual trauma can undermine these efforts if it is not identified and addressed.

This research examines what types of interventions are most effective in mitigating the negative effects of conflict-related trauma amongst civilian and combatant populations in fragile and conflict affected areas. Its purpose is to help inform research on trauma, mental health, and violent and peaceful behaviours, as well as wider policy and programming debates concerning trauma-related interventions and approaches.