Culture, Relations and Violence Interruption
International Conference (CRAVIIC)
Exploring innovative, horizontal approaches to violence interruption through the lens of cultural diversity and relational dynamics.
About the Conference
Culture, Relations and Violence Interruption International Conference (CRAVIIC)
Brief
This conference will explore innovative approaches to violence interruption through the lens of cultural diversity and relational dynamics. Topics will include the role of cultural identity in conflict resolution, the impact of community-based interventions, and the power of cross-cultural collaboration in creating safer societies and transforming conflict into connection. We aim to bring together researchers, practitioners, and community leaders from around the world under the same values and evidence-led practices that deviate from the institutional, traditional ways of doing justice.
About the Conference
Overview
CRAVIIC is organized by the Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices (LAIRP, USA), in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute "Language, Inclusion, Remediation, Interculturality & Communication" (LiRiC) of the University of Strasbourg (France), and the support of the Region of Crete Office (Greece). It will explore innovative, "horizontal" approaches to violence interruption, i.e. approaches carried out within and by the local communities, through the lens of cultural diversity and relational dynamics. Researchers, practitioners, and community leaders from around the world will share insights into culturally tailored strategies for preventing violence, fostering trust, and building sustainable networks of care. Through workshops and plenaries, we will delve into understanding the cultural diversity of community-based violence management and interruption mechanisms and their impact to communities, groups and individual relations. Topics will include the role of cultural identity in conflict resolution, the impact of community-based interventions, and the power of cross-cultural collaboration in creating safer societies. The conference aims to bring people under the same values and evidence-led practicing that deviates from the institutional, traditional ways of doing justice. Join us for a dynamic exchange of ideas, workshops, and case studies aimed at transforming conflict into connection.
Our Logo
The Labyrinth — Myth, Mind & Method
The conference logo is a labyrinth — a dual symbol drawing on both the ancient Cretan maze of Greek mythology and the intricate pathways of the human brain. This convergence is intentional.
In Greek myth, the Labyrinth at Knossos was an ingenious maze commissioned by King Minos and designed by the architect Daedalus to imprison the Minotaur. Theseus could only escape after slaying the monster by following the thread given to him by Princess Ariadne — a metaphor for guidance, connection, and finding one's way through complexity.
The labyrinth also mirrors the structure of the human brain — with its layered, non-linear pathways — representing the right-brain, relational, and community-led practices at the heart of LAIRP's work.
Together, these two images — the ancient Cretan maze and the neural landscape of the mind — embody the spirit of this conference: navigating violence interruption through culture, relationships, and human connection. Like myths themselves, our approaches are continually reworked and retold.
Why Crete?
A brief history of Europe's oldest living laboratory for community-led justice and cultural resilience.
Living Tradition
Crete as a South in the North
Crete offers a living community-led, non-statutory justice example, sustained by cultural continuity, relational dynamics, and local trust—exactly the themes this conference is organised around. The indigenous restorative process locally known as Sasmos operates entirely beyond the reach of state courts, police, and formal legal institutions—and it endures to this day.
Why Here?
Why the Conference in Crete?
Crete is the most appropriate and symbolically powerful place to host the International Conference on 'Relations, Culture and Violence Interruption'. The island is one of the last places in Europe where a non-statutory, community-run justice system remains a living, functioning approach to violence interruption, operating independently of the state.
By gathering researchers, practitioners, and community leaders in Crete, we place ourselves in direct dialogue with an unbroken tradition of horizontal governance, cultural resilience, and relational justice that has survived empires, occupations, and modern state-building.
The conference will not only discuss community-led alternatives to state-centric violence interruption—it will take place on land where such alternatives have been practiced for millennia, quietly and effectively, beyond the reach of formal institutions.
"In this sense, Crete is not merely a venue.
It is a living case study of the very principles our conference seeks to explore and endorse."
Our Supporters
Made Possible By
LAIRP
Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices
The Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices (LAIRP) is an organization dedicated to promoting and implementing restorative practices in schools, communities, and organizations. These practices are designed to build relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and address conflicts or harm through dialogue and mutual understanding.
LiRiC
Our Scientific Partner
The Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute "Language, Inclusion, Remediation, Interculturality & Communication" (LiRiC) is an institute of the University of Strasbourg, in partnership with CNRS and Inserm. LiRiC brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to advance knowledge at the intersection of language, culture, inclusion, and communication.
Official Patronage
Under the Patronage of Region of Crete
The Conference is held under the auspices of the Region of Crete, which serves as the official regional authority of the island. The Region of Crete office is the official regional authority responsible for the administration, development, and promotion of the island of Crete. Operating under the auspices of the Greek state, the Office coordinates key sectors including infrastructure, tourism, culture, agriculture, and environmental protection. The Office is committed to fostering sustainable growth, supporting local communities, and showcasing Crete's rich heritage both in Greece and internationally. Through strategic planning and close collaboration with municipal and European partners, they work to enhance the quality of life for all residents while preserving the unique character of our island.
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