The Spiral of Violence Structural Violence is violence woven into the structures that make up societal systems- governments, businesses, schools, banks, police forces, churches etc.

When the policies and practices of these or any other institution deprive individuals and groups of their BASIC NEEDS and BASIC RIGHTS (often by excluding them), their dignity, or their right to have some control over their lives is violence

Any form of violence, but especially structural violence can create a spiral of violence. The spiral of violence is where acts of violence experienced by a people lead those same people, to themselves, act VIOLENTLY.

Violence #1 Basic Injustice/Structural Violence Institutions (governments etc.) oppress the people and they lack basic rights and needs. Example: Israel occupies a territory called Palestine in Israel has continued to take over more land and resources. Palestinians are living in poverty. Many Palestinians neighbourhoods have been destroyed. In this picture, Palestinian children cry at houses in Gaza which were destroyed during Israel’s 22 day offensive. Basic Injustice/Structural Violence Institutions (governments etc.) oppress the people and they lack basic rights and needs. Example: Israel occupies a territory called Palestine in Israel has continued to take over more land and resources. Palestinians are living in poverty. Many Palestinians neighbourhoods have been destroyed. In this picture, Palestinian children cry at houses in Gaza which were destroyed during Israel’s 22 day offensive.

Violence #2 Violence #2 is the Violent RESPONSE to Basic Injustice Victims of Violence #1 turn to violence as a response to the unjust conditions. Guerilla or terrorist groups (Hamas) have been created to fight against (by bombing) Israel’s occupation of Palestine

Violence #3 Violence #3 is the COUNTER RESPONSE Israel responds to Palestinian violence with increased oppression. Israel continues demolishing homes, dispossessing occupants, and revoking residency rights, three crimes under international law.

Violence #4 Increasing Violence on BOTH Sides (Spiraling out of control) This type of Violence occurs when both sides hate each other so much they don’t see any other way to deal with the issues other than turning to violence. Example: More bloodshed in Palestine. Both Israel and Palenstine hate each other and feel there is no other method to overcome conflict except for violence. Israel has one of the most sophisticated armies and has become highly militarized in order to fight Palestine. Many Palestinians have joined terrorists networks. Peace talks are not working. Increasing Violence on BOTH Sides (Spiraling out of control) This type of Violence occurs when both sides hate each other so much they don’t see any other way to deal with the issues other than turning to violence. Example: More bloodshed in Palestine. Both Israel and Palenstine hate each other and feel there is no other method to overcome conflict except for violence. Israel has one of the most sophisticated armies and has become highly militarized in order to fight Palestine. Many Palestinians have joined terrorists networks. Peace talks are not working.

THINK! PAIR! SHARE! “Violence is so common that many people simply accept it as a part of life and build up their defenses against it”

PACIFISM MEANS: MAKING PEACE Pacifism is the oldest Christian approach to war and violence This approach asserts that violence is completely unacceptable in conflict resolution The Pacifist movement/position has its origins in the teachings of Jesus Pacifists in the past: Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi