What is more, the prosecution of war criminals, so long as it is seen to be fair to all sides, may help to heal psychological scars left by the fighting.

ECONOMIST: Justice in Bosnia

Still on sick leave, she went to the small village and the Georgian farmhouse where she had grown up, to where she knew at least the physical scars would heal.

CNN: Books - Excerpt: 'Flint'

And the 31-year-old Sydney Roosters veteran insists the scars have yet to heal.

BBC: Aussies driven by fear of failure

And although both share a capacity to inflict misery and despair on the innocent, the scars from a recession will eventually heal.

ECONOMIST: Thailand's monarchy

In hot, wet Louisiana, everything from trees to microbes grows quickly so scars on the land are usually quick to heal.

CNN: Wildlife, oil battle nothing new to Louisiana

It is often used for ceremonial dowry payments and, significantly for the spa business, many Thais believe gold helps heal skin wounds such as scars.

WSJ: In Thailand, Those Seeking A Golden Glow Rush to the Spa

"We would like you to remember that our children have suffered greatly and it will take a long time for their physical and mental scars to heal - for some that may never happen, " the statement added.

BBC: Bristol

While the vast majority of the abuse cases happened in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, the recent revelation of more case and the failings of the church in dealing with many of them have left fresh scars that have been slow to heal, victims' advocates say.

CNN: The pope in retirement: What to expect