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Survivors of Torture

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Diversity in Action

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Abstract

Torture is the purposeful infliction of severe pain on an individual by a public official (Section 2340(1) of title 18, United States Code). It is an act that dates back to early civilization, and, unfortunately, it continues well into the twenty-first century. Each year, the number of people seeking refugee or asylum status as a result of torture rises. The impact of such interpersonal trauma that encompasses both physical as well as psychological pain can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors may present for medical care and not disclose torture as part of their history, which may be just one component to their trauma experience. The most effective care for a survivor of torture is embedded in a provider’s awareness of the history and training that allows for a trauma-informed, team-oriented approach emphasizing a survivor’s resilience. This chapter will discuss the psychiatric manifestations and sequelae of torture survival and provide recommendations for treatment planning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Priti Ojha

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  1. Priti Ojha
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Correspondence to Priti Ojha .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Steve H. Koh

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Gabriela G. Mejia

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Hilary M. Gould

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Ojha, P. (2022). Survivors of Torture. In: Koh, S.H., Mejia, G.G., Gould, H.M. (eds) Diversity in Action. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85401-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85401-0_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-85400-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-85401-0

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