Members of TASW planning their support strategies.
IFSW member The Turkish Association of Social Workers are preparing volunteers in crisis and trauma intervention following a bombing that killed 97 peace demonstrators on the 10th October. Secretary-General of TASW, Mehmet Can Özkaya said, “This is the worst attack in the history of our Republic. We have had to respond immediately and are reaching to the victim’s families and injured people to provide every support that we can give. We are also organising meetings with the other NGO’s in the field and trying to coordinate the services we provide”.
IFSW European Regional President, Cristina Martins issued a statement saying, “European social workers sincerely regret the brutal attack that occurred in Ankara during a demonstration for peace, and expresses solidarity to the people of Turkey in this moment of great pain and grief. As Social Workers we condemn all types of violence and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people struggling for a better life and peaceful future where everybody’s rights are respected and policies are inclusive. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who have fallen victim to this terrible tragedy for the Turkish nation”, she said.
“Social workers play a vital role in responding to large scale traumatic events”, said IFSW Secretary-General, Dr. Rory Truell. “Our colleagues in Turkey have significant experience and are assisting the coordination of services. They are setting up debriefing groups that reduce the longterm affects of chronic trauma, and will work towards establishing community support systems for both the survivors and families.”
IFSW will continue to provide information TASW’s work during this crisis.
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