5 - Assuming “Full” Freedom

Summary

Chapter 5 focuses on survivors’ experiences in survival and the challenges for recovery that are brought by freedom. It argues that survival exposes a difficult interplay between agency and responsibility; where survival brings the potential for growth, it also brings a responsibility for the self and for others. The paradox of this potential for growth is that having previously had absolute control exercised over them, the sudden ability (and requirement) to exercise agency and responsibility over their lives confronts survivors with challenges to their growth. The assumption of that agency and responsibility is also complicated and impeded by misunderstanding, and by the fragmented and incohesive support systems that prevail. The chapter then explores survivors’ needs in liberation, looking in particular at the attitudes and practices of the authorities, the limitations of central processes, and the psychological and physical challenges of survivors’ "new lives,” and identifies the value survivors consistently place on recognition, community, family, education, and rights.