Vaquero delivered this message during the closing of the event ‘The Importance of the AVT in Providing Psychosocial Support to Victims of Terrorism’, held at the headquarters of the San Valero Group. In her speech, she highlighted Aragonese society’s recognition of and respect for the victims: “we live in a land that recognizes you, respects you and wants you to feel its closeness”.
The vice president stressed the need to keep the memory of what happened alive and pass it on to future generations. “We know that your story is part of ours, and we have a responsibility to convey it with truth, sensitivity and dignity,” she said. Although she acknowledged that it is not possible to change the past, she argued that society can support victims, listen to them and ensure they do not have to face indifference.
“Your pain matters to us. Your life matters to us. And we have a duty to stand by your side, including when an event ends, the microphones are turned off and everyone returns home,” Vaquero stressed. She also highlighted the obligation to “remember what happened” and to “say clearly at all times that people were murdered, injured, threatened and persecuted by terrorism”.
The regional official placed victims at the heart of democratic memory and argued that recognition must translate into ongoing support. “You are defenders of a democracy that we must protect every day, and that recognition must go hand in hand with constant support,” she added.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS
The event addressed the psychological and social support needs of people who have suffered terrorist violence. The scheduled activities included a presentation of the AVT’s psychological research project by María Paz García Vera, a psychologist specializing in this field.
The event also featured a testimony panel moderated by María Juan, during which three victims shared their personal experiences and highlighted the importance of making their stories known. The role of associations in providing support, the social consequences of terrorism and social work with affected people were also examined. The final session was attended by AVT adviser Miguel Folguera and the organization’s psychosocial coordinator, Beatriz Benavente, who shared their experience in assisting and supporting victims.
