Number of Refugee Torture Survivors in the United States Rising

Based on an analysis of previous research studies, the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), recently concluded that the number of refugee torture survivors in the United States is significantly higher than previously reported. Past estimates of refugee torture survivors in the United States were between 400,000 – 500,000. However, with the increase in number of arriving refugees, CVT estimates that refugee torture prevalence is as high as 44 percent, indicating that the number of refugee torture survivors in the United States could be as high as 1.3 million people. This estimate does not account for the number of torture survivors who arrive seeking asylum or who have been granted asylum by the United States government.

It had been estimated previously that 11,000 torture survivors lived in San Diego. In accordance with the research of CVT, this number is much higher at about 35,000. Survivors of Torture, International is the only accredited torture rehabilitation center in San Diego. Comprehensive services such as therapy, psychiatry, and access to medical and social services are important to help the increasing number of torture survivors rebuild their lives and become contributing members of our community.
In the past three years San Diego received more refugees than the three other top California counties combined.* Almost half of them will have experienced torture and may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and/or major depressive disorder, according to CVT.

With demand for services for torture survivors increasing to record levels, it is imperative SURVIVORS serve clients with quality comprehensive services. If you would like to assist SURVIVORS as we adjust to these changes, please consider making a donation to SURVIVORS and contacting your elected officials to let them know that it is vital to support the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2015 (TVRRA) which authorizes $25 million to the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s Survivors of Torture Program.

*California Department of Social Services Refugee Programs Bureau, Refugee Arrivals into California Counties; September 2014

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.