June is Torture Awareness Month

By Katherina Todisco & Niki Kalmus

June marks the beginning of summer, longer days, and warmer weather, but is also one of our favorite months at Survivors of Torture, International – Torture Awareness Month. On June 26, 1987 the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) entered into force*. June 26 has been chosen as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, and June has been chosen as Torture Awareness Month.

In June, we recognize that torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, and it affects millions of individuals and their families around the world. This trauma reaches far beyond the direct victims and in some instances, where torture has been used in a systematic and widespread manner, whole societies are affected.

Those who survive torture have a guaranteed right to rehabilitation under international law. Providing holistic rehabilitation to survivors of torture and trauma can help heal the effects of torture.

SURVIVORS, an accredited IRCT member organization, is proud to offer holistic rehabilitation to as many of San Diego’s estimated 35,000 torture survivors as possible. SURVIVORS’ services address psychological, medical, and social needs for torture survivors, helping them to heal from the trauma they experienced, regain their sense of dignity, and rebuild their lives.

“I still have troubles but it’s much better than before. I’ve learned so many things and now I can sleep and concentrate more… the biggest improvement is with my depression. I don’t feel afraid anymore.” – SURVIVORS’ client

We invite you, your friends and family, and community to join us and people around the world in commemorating Torture Awareness Month. Here are some ways you can join:

Share this blog on your favorite social media sites
Participate in events near you to commemorate Torture Awareness Month
- Attend SURVIVORS’ Ice Cream Social – RSVP required
Make a donation to SURVIVORS in honor of Torture Awareness Month

In 1988, President Ronald Regan signed the UN Convention Against Torture, which includes the commitment that, “No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, international political instability or any other public emergency may be invoked as* justification for torture.” The U.S. Senate ratified the Convention in 1994.

Join the Healing Society Today

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.

MENTAL HEALTH 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.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

PSYCHIATRIC CARE

SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.

PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION

SOCIAL and PEER SUPPORT

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor's feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client's asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

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 assistance with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care, or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.

PSYCHIATRIC CARE

SSURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist. SURVIVORS combines psychiatric care with psychotherapy and social support.

SOCIAL and PEER SUPPORT

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

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.