Speaker to address trauma, violence in Coeur d'Alene

Strong, Safe and Aware will host a guest speaker at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library from 4:30 to 6 p.m. July 2.

Elina Viitasaari, a trauma-informed practitioner and violence prevention specialist from Finland, will explore how unresolved trauma, social exclusion and declining trust contribute to cycles of violence.

"Viitasaari will examine the connections between trauma, violence, and social cohesion," a press release "The presentation will highlight how unaddressed trauma can be transmitted across generations and how early intervention, dialogue, and community engagement can break these cycles."

Attendees will learn practical approaches for strengthening resilience, rebuilding trust, and fostering safer, more inclusive communities, the release said.

Viitasaari works as a UN representative for Center for Global Nonkilling and has worked with both victims and perpetrators of violence in prisons, victim support services, shelters and prevention programs. She currently serves on the steering group of the Finnish Women, Peace and Security Network. 

The free event is sponsored by Strong, Safe and Aware, an Idaho-based company that provides trauma-informed training and collaboration to promote family strengthening and child safety.

Info: KJ Brant, 208-818-3001, [email protected] or StrongSafeAware.com.