There are approximately 500,000 survivors of politically-motivated torture living in the United States, according to the U.S. Center for Victims of Torture. Torture means an act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon another person within his custody or physical control. These survivors come to the United States seeking asylum to escape the horrific abuse they suffered in their home countries, but they are often rendered ineffective by their symptoms to testify on their own behalf. Trauma's impact on a person's nervous system often causes extreme distress that impairs memory and the ability to express a cohesive story in words. I have been assisting the Florida Center for Survivors of Torture (FCST) to help their clients receive the care that they need so they can heal and become empowered to rebuild their lives. I have not done much, other than offer a few pro bono sessions, provide information about the effects of trauma, and encourage other psychotherapists to offer pro bono services when needed. I am honored that they have chosen to recognize my small efforts with a Human Spirit Award next month at an awareness-raising event to be held at Florida International University. This is an opportunity for me to also increase people's awareness about this problem, and the needs of this special category of refugees. I have worked with an African man who received electric shocks to his genitals during an unwarranted detention and interrogation; a young Eastern European man who was arrested, beaten and raped for being gay; a South American man who was kidnapped and held at gunpoint on his knees for hours simply to harass and frighten him into changing his political views. In 1998, the U.S. passed the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-320), which authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to U.S. programs to cover the costs of services for the rehabilitation of victims of torture, including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture; provide social and legal services for victims of torture; and conduct research and training for health care providers outside of treatment centers. These programs are administered through the U.S. Department of HHS's Office of Refugee Resettlement. I urge you to learn more about this issue and donate money, time or services to the FCST by calling 305-805-5060.
