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 in Asylum Evaluations Presentation (Dr. Vicent Iacopino, 2023)
Istanbul Protocol 2022 Empowers Health Professionals to End Torture (The Lancet, 2022)
Professional Articles
Torture Survivors and Asylum: Legal, 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)
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.