Aaliyah Muggen

Aaliyah Muggen (1997) is the daughter of a Dutchbat II veteran with complex PTSD. In her debut book, ‘Thuisfront PTSS’, she tells the story of her life and her family’s. She describes a home where love, loyalty, anger, helplessness, humour and hope all compete for space. Her story shows how one person’s trauma affects the whole family. How does the family balance supporting someone with getting by themselves? And how does the bond between father and daughter endure when everything is unsettled? Aaliyah offers a loving, sometimes humorous and thought-provoking glimpse into this reality. Alongside her personal experience, she brings knowledge of trauma and its intergenerational effects. She conducted the research project ‘The Road to Recognition and Appreciation for Dutchbat Veterans’ and completed the honours module ‘Genocide in Srebrenica’. Aaliyah is available for talks and contributions to discussions at organisations and events, and to publications. Her story offers a sense of recognition for the families of uniformed personnel. It is also relevant to healthcare professionals working with PTSD in families.