Welcome to the SURVIVORS Resource Page! Here you will find educational and training materials, worksheets, and articles to help our community better understand and support the needs of torture survivors. 

Resources for Educators

SURVIVORS’ 2023 Educator Training Handbook will provide you with the tools to: 

  • Learn how new-arrival students may be torture survivors or members of torture survivor families.
  • Identify common signs, symptoms, and behaviors of students who have experienced extreme trauma.
  • Learn how to refer students and families to SURVIVORS’ free services to help them heal and thrive.
  • Understand trauma-informed approaches, activities, and techniques to use in the classroom.

Download the entire Educator Training Handbook and individual worksheets below.

SURVIVORS’ Educator Training Handbook

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script (KIDS)

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script (EDUCATORS)

Color Your Feelings Worksheet

Name Your Feelings Coloring Worksheet

My Safe Space Worksheet

Resources Related to the Istanbul Protocol

Istanbul Protocol Presentation (Dr. Vicent Iacopino, 2023)

Istanbul Protocol 2022 Empowers Health Professionals to End Torture (The Lancet, 2022)

Professional Articles

Torture Survivors: Medical and Psychological Perspectives (The American Journal of Medicine 2023)

Specialized Care for Survivors of Torture in the United States and California (NCTTP 2023)

The Tortured: Sorrow and Respect (The American Journal of Medicine 2022)

Foot Torture (Falanga): Ten Victims with Chronic Plantar Hyperpigmentation (The American Journal of Medicine 2016)

Vicarious Resilience (Family Process 2007)