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 be better informed and better able to recognize the signs of torture in patients that may otherwise go untreated. The article describes falanga as a repetitive and blunt trauma inflicted on the soles of the feet as a form of torture. Falanga can immobilize victims, limiting their walking abilities for up to 10 weeks and can cause wounds that are recognizable for at least a decade. The article includes how this awareness can better assist torture survivors by:
- Providing support for survivors’ legal requests for political asylum.
The process of asylum seeking is very complex. Forensic medical and psychological evaluations that can provide evidence of the torture experienced is essential for legal asylum cases and torture survivors. In fact, the article reports that Physicians for Human Rights see an increase from 38% to 89% of asylum cases that succeed with the help of forensic evidence and SURVIVORS sees a similar rate of success with the clients we serve in the southern border region.
- Aiding physicians who care for torture survivors.
Torture survivors can go unnoticed and untreated if physicians are not able to recognize signs of torture. The article reports a study in a New York outpatient setting where torture survivors, who made up 7% of total patients, were never asked about their torture from their physicians. In San Diego, the article finds that a major proportion of West African asylum seekers have experienced falanga in conflict zones. A history of falanga can present itself as chronic foot pain and establish a link to somatic and mental disorders in a patient. Knowing what to look for assists both physician and the torture survivor in need of care.
SURVIVORS is very grateful for our physicians who sought to contribute to the healing of torture survivors, locally and worldwide, by taking the initiative to write an article about their important findings. We celebrate the publication and dissemination of knowledge that will assure that torture survivors can be better served by trauma-informed healthcare practices. To read the published article click here.
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.