Activism Across the Generations—An Awakening

For the families of the Disappeared, the legacy of the disappearance and its impact on family life was immense. The effect of the disappearance of a loved one was not just restricted to those who were old enough to have cognisance of the significance of the event at the time. For the individuals who participated in this study, it was evident that the disappearance had a profound effect across the second and even third generations. Fear was a constant companion across the generations. Part of the process of control in the aftermath of the violence was to increase fear and threaten anyone who spoke out. Overcoming this fear, taking up an activist role, and seeking justice for their loved ones was a part of the journey for the families in this volume. This chapter tracks this process and explores the trauma inflicted on the families across generations as they sought information on the disappearance of their family member.