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
  • 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.

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.