Today we equate Valentine’s Day with Cupid, romance, chocolate, flowers, and romantic dates. However, according to legend, the history of St. Valentine (a.k.a Valentinus) is actually one of persecution and torture, but also of healing and forgiveness. There are many different counts of the tale of Valentinus, and most are dark and violent.
- One tale claims that Valentinus was a priest during the third century under Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men because he thought single men made more viable soldiers. Valentinus believed that marriage was sacred and, rather than comply with the wedding ban, continued to marry young Christian people in secret. He was eventually caught, imprisoned, and tortured for performing marriages against the law of the Emperor. He was sentenced to death.
- Another legend claims that Emperor Claudius ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods and made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christianity. Valentinus was dedicated to his faith, and would not let the threat of death keep him from practicing his religion. He was arrested and imprisoned. He was sentenced to death.
- A third story claims that Valentinus was a brave man who helped save Christians from the torture and abuse of Roman officials. He was eventually caught, imprisoned, and tortured. He was sentenced to death.
Common to these three tales is a man who was brave enough to stand up for his beliefs, regardless of the threat of death. Each of the legends describes what happened to Valentinus after being tortured in the same way:
Valentinus befriended his torturer’s daughter, a young blind woman named Julia. He showed great strength by forgiving the terrible things her father had done to him. It is said that Valentinus restored her sight by teaching her the power of prayer and believing in God. On the eve of his execution, Valentinus wrote Julia a note urging her to stay close to God and signed it, “From your Valentine.”
We use this sentence to this day when we write our Valentine’s cards. This February 14th, when you send your St. Valentine’s messages of affection, love, and devotion we ask that you also think about the courage of those around the world who stand up for basic human rights and the strength of those who rebuild their lives after overcoming tremendous obstacles such as persecution.
Sending love, hope, and healing your way.
We’re a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or immigration status.
SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.
To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.
Pro-Bono volunteer physicians perform medical evaluations for clients’ asylum cases. Physicians write medical affidavits for attorneys to present in court, documenting that there is physical evidence of torture. Medical evaluations are always done in person, either at SURVIVORS’ office or a secondary location. Interpreters are provided for this service. Applicant’s medical licenses must be up to date.
Contractors accept clients for individual, couples or family therapy on a case-by-case basis. You choose your availability and create your own schedule. Therapy sessions may occur in your office setting in the community, Survivors’ office space, in-home, or via telemedicine. SURVIVORS provides compensation for your work. We will also provide professional interpreters to work with you.
You are not alone. We’re here to help. We’re a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or legal status.
SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.
To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.
PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES
SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.
MEDICAL SERVICES
SURVIVORS’ provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.
PSYCHIATRY
SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.
PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION
SURVIVORS facilitates professional, trauma-informed interpretation so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.
HEALING CLUB
SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor’s feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.
AYSLUM SUPPORT
SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client’s asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.
ASYLUM SUPPORT
SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client’s asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.
MEDICAL SERVICES
SURVIVORS’ provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.
PSYCHIATRY
SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.
HEALING CLUB
SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor’s feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.
INTERPRETERS
SURVIVORS partners with professional, trauma-informed interpreters so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.