Chronic Illness Workbook Blog » An Interview on Long-Term Trauma and Crime

An Interview on Long-Term Trauma and Crime

On December 11, David Kaczynski, Gary Wright and I were guests on the popular and respected “Alan Chartock… In Conversation With” program on Northeast Public Radio.

We talked broadly with Alan about long-term trauma, particularly the mental and physical health symptoms often experienced by people involved with a crime. We discussed how crucial it is for those impacted by violence — including victims, offenders, their children, partners and families, as well as law-enforcement and other professionals who work with crime victims and offenders – to heal from the loss and trauma they experienced so that they can go on to live full lives.

We also talked specifically about the experiences of David, brother of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and Gary, one of Ted’s surviving victims. In 1996, David and his wife, Linda, made the difficult decision to approach the FBI with their suspicions that David’s brother might be involved in a series of bombings that caused three deaths and numerous injuries over 17 years. David and Gary have forged a close bond through the experience of working to recover from their individual traumas, a friendship that has enriched both of their lives.

The interview has recently been posted on the WAMC/Northeast Public Radio Web site, and I hope you’ll take the opportunity to listen and let me know what you think.

Alan Chartock… In Conversation with David Kaczynski, Gary Wright and Patricia Fennell, 12/11/09