While those in Western countries may wonder what is meant by "transitional justice," in societies emerging from a period of mass abuse -- such as systematic torture, massive disappearances and crimes against humanity -- the question of how to address past abuses is an urgent one, particularly for victims. They want to know the truth: what happened to their loved ones; who committed and ordered the abuses; and how violations can be prevented in the future. They want to see perpetrators face the bar of justice and be prevented from ever serving in positions of public trust again.