My Personal and Professional Growth as a Survivors Intern

SOTIAdmin Internship, Uncategorized

By Victoria Scalo I became acquainted with Survivors of Torture International through San Diego State University’s Board Fellows Program, which is partnered with the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego. The Board Fellows Program pairs up San Diego State Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.), Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.), Kroc School graduate students, …

Clients Benefit from Falanga Research Conducted by Medical Evaluators at SURVIVORS

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Pro bono medical evaluators, Dr. George Longstreth and Dr. Lydia Grypma, and the team at SURVIVORS have contributed to increasing medical knowledge about the physical effects of torture that will benefit survivors in several ways. With the publication of “Foot Torture (Falanga): Ten Victims with Chronic Plantar Hyperpigmentation” in The American Journal of Medicine, physicians in the United States will …

SURVIVORS Torture Awareness Month 2020 Campaign

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Virtual Advocacy for Survivors of Torture June 26th of 1987 marks the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the day in which the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment was passed, which ensured that states are held accountable for torture and other forms of mistreatment outlined in the law. Internationally, organizations …

Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health of Torture Survivors During COVID-19

SOTIAdmin Therapy, Healing

Mental health awareness month of 2020 has come at such a critical time, with the urgent demand for more attention to the astounding increase of mental health needs stemming from the pandemic. COVID-19 has significantly impacted our individual lives and our communities. Many of us have grappled with loss, grief, apprehension, and a sense of lack of control over our …

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCDs) Made Easy!

SOTIAdmin Donation needed, Healing, International, notorture.org, SURVIVORS

SURVIVORS has served over 3000 torture survivors in 22 years because of the generosity and charitable spirit of our donors, volunteers, and supporters. Recently, economists have been speculating that the new tax laws might adversely impact charitable giving. But charitable giving has never been simpler due to Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and their ability to help meet philanthropic goals. What …

COVID-19 & How You Can Help – A Message from Executive Director Kathi Anderson

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Dear SURVIVORS’ Community, I am writing to inform you that SURVIVORS has quickly mobilized to protect the safety of our clients, staff, and volunteers while ensuring we can continue to serve hundreds of torture survivors and their families. As you are aware, we are the only accredited torture treatment center in San Diego County. Therefore, it is crucial we maintain …

A Brief Guide to Asylum

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SURVIVORS is located near the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere, therefore, asylum seekers and refugees are a significant part of our community. Many asylum seekers that flee their home country have suffered severe physical, psychological, and sexual torture. There are approximately 35,000 torture survivors in San Diego County alone, many of whom turn to SURVIVORS for the support …

Art Therapy and Healing

SOTIAdmin Healing, Internship, Therapy

Art Therapy and Healing by Karen Toloza, MSW Intern  Every day at SURVIVORS is a new opportunity to learn about and from our clients. During our monthly healing club, we help our clients learn new things about themselves and others. The Healing Club that was held last month was filled with a harmonious, positive energy that revolved around the creative …

Nevertheless She Persisted…

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In honor of International Women’s Month, we would like to take you on a journey with one of our clients before she reached our safe border. Our client’s name has been changed to maintain her confidentiality and in order to celebrate these strong and resilient women, we ask you to dwell less on their past, and focus more on their …

Human Rights Watch Film Festival 2019: A Modern Way to Learn about Timeless Topics

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SURVIVORS is proud to be an official partner of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival. This year’s films –Anote’s Ark, Charm City, Roll Red Roll, TransMilitary, and the Unafraid – discuss issues such as restrictive immigration policies, climate change, urban violence, rape culture, and prejudice in the workplace. The upcoming film festival will be a great opportunity for our donors, …