IMPROVING MEDIA INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AND PROMOTE NON-VIOLENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN ONGOING ARMED CONFLICTS: THE CASE OF EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
REZARTA BILALI
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
JOHANNA RAY VOLLHARDT
CLARK UNIVERSITY
Violence prevention media interventions often produce a positive impact in post-conflict contexts but unintended detrimental effects in contexts of ongoing armed conflicts. This study aims to shed light on these puzzling findings. Using multiple methodologies – experimental design combined with focus group discussions, surveys and interviews – this project will examine the influence of a radio violence prevention fictional show in the context of the armed conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and test strategies based on acknowledgment and empowerment to enhance the ability of mass media to impact positive social change and increase the resilience of people exposed to chronic violence. This examination is extremely important and urgent especially considering the rise of the violence prevention fictional shows in settings of ongoing armed conflicts.
