by Andrew Worth, ISCOR intern 2014
Before I began my first internship with Survivors of Torture, International I did not fully understand just how many survivors of torture resided in the San Diego region. During the time of my internship I was a student of the International Security and Conflict Resolution program at San Diego State University, and like most people I knew that San Diego had a large and thriving population of refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world. However, what I did not know was the large number of torture survivors that lived in the area. What I soon learned is that San Diego has an estimated 35,000 torture survivors that have fled from many parts of the world. Survivors of Torture, International has been able to help rebuild the lives of 2,000 survivors from over 80 countries since 1997.
These people now call San Diego their home. But they confront a multitude of problems that many of us will never have to face. The challenges that are faced can arise from access to medical treatment, legal status, learning how to get around a city as large as San Diego, and overcoming the language barrier. These 35,000 are intertwined within our communities yet many do not realize how many they number. People who we interact with on a day to day basis could be a survivor of torture. Torture survivors have many of the same challenges as refugees and asylum seekers as lives are rebuilt and a new city, culture, and languages are introduced. Thankfully, San Diego is also home to many organizations that support refugees, asylum seekers, and torture survivors. Since we have so many organizations that are able to specialize in how to best help people with specific backgrounds, providing very personalized and more humanizing experience, which is essential for the healing process.
Aside from these facts and figures what left the greatest impression on me was the amount of people who care so deeply about moving towards a world without torture and helping those who have been victims of it. That’s one of the many things that my time at SURVIVORS showed me, not only the amount of people in San Diego who are survivors of torture, but also the number of organizations, volunteers, and support groups who come together to support, assist, or lend a helping hand to these individuals. These people not only provide physical and emotional support to survivors, but also take a stance against the use of torture and its normalization in popular culture. This has become prevalent in many areas of our society from movies, video games, and books that use torture as a means to an end, and typically justifies it. What the people I met during my time at SURVIVORS represent, to me, is a community of people who are opposing this casual use of torture in our culture, calling for a ban on the use of torture, and assisting those who are survivors of torture. The revelation that so many people in San Diego, including people who are not associated with SURVIVORS, share the conviction that torture is wrong is a powerful one. To me, it shows how these 35,000 have the love, and genuine support of so many people who can provide a helping hand in their healing process.
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.