Torture and trauma

About seven out of 10 refugees in United States have been tortured or gone through some kind of war-related trauma. Some forms of torture (such as beatings, amputation, rape and burns) harm the body and cause lasting scars. Other torture methods are painful, but don’t cause scarring, such as starvation or being forced to stand for long periods of time.

Examples of trauma include imprisonment, seeing the rape or murder of a loved one, or a dangerous journey to freedom such as an attack by pirates at sea. Some people who have been tortured develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and nightmares about the event that are so clear they seem real.

People who have been tortured can have a range of symptoms, including: Some survivors of torture experience long term pain from soft tissue injuries. A person who has been tortured may try hard to avoid anything that reminds them of their traumatic experience. This may include:

• Keeping thoughts
• feelings separate
• choosing only to think instead of feel

They may ‘disconnect’ from the world around them and seem to be mostly daydreaming. Since many torturers are medical professionals, the person may stay away from hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists and nurses. They may get anxious if they see or experience something that reminds them of their trauma, even if that object or activity isn’t dangerous or threatening in itself.

The person may try to avoid crowds, public places, authority figures and anyone who wears a uniform. Some may stay home as much as they can, and avoid travelling and meeting new people.

Harmful ways of coping may include alcohol or drug abuse

A condition known as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people after going through a frightening event. The symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks intense memories nightmares that are so vivid
• it feels like the trauma is happening all over again Unexplained skin rashes
• headaches stomach upsets
• other complaints that don’t seem to have a physical cause Thoughts of suicide

The symptoms of torture and trauma in a child depend on the child’s age, development and their experience.

Generally, a child who has experienced torture or trauma may show symptoms including: Stuttering and speech problems (a child who can’t yet talk may show their stress in drawings or play). Some survivors of torture and trauma live with their memories for years, or even for the rest of their lives. They remember the event in daydreams and nightmares, while certain things (such as objects, situations or people) remind them so much of their trauma, they experience strong physical and emotional reactions of stress, terror, grief and despair.

Without treatment, survivors of torture and trauma can have ongoing problems including: Problems with alcohol or drug abuse.

There are nation-wide support services for survivors of torture and trauma

Treatment offered includes: Interpreters

About seven out of 10 refugees in United States have been tortured or gone through some kind of war-related trauma. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people after experiencing a frightening event. Some survivors of torture and trauma live with their memories for years, or even for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms Headaches Shaking or trembling muscles Hearing loss Vision problems Sleeping problems Anxiety attacks Nervousness Irritability Sexual problems Depression Aggression Suicidal thoughts Avoiding the memories Post traumatic stress disorder Sleep problems, such as insomnia Withdrawal from people and situations Loss of interest in life Increased anxiety and watchfulness Nervousness Being easily frightened or startled Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness Irritability Aggression and anger Severe depression, or deadening of emotions Loss of full range of emotions Problems with concentration Problems with learning new skills Memory problems Feeling like they have no future Problems with close relationships Loss of appetite Symptoms in children Having the same nightmare over and over Confusing reality with fantasy Inability to trust others, including their parents Feeling afraid of things, people or situations that don’t present any threat Destroying toys Repetitive play Agitated, anxious behaviour Problems at school, including antisocial behaviour Common complications Inability to trust others Inability to form close relationships Problems with school or work Anxiety disorders, such as phobias or panic attacks Severe depression Support services Health professionals, for treatment of physical complaints Psychological services including counselling, stress management and relaxation techniques Where to get help The Michigann Foundation for the Survivors of Torture Tel. (616) 555-0200 AUSTCARE Michigan Tel. (616) 555-0200 The American Psychological Society Tel.

(616) 555-0200 American Critical Incident Stress Association Tel. (616) 555-0200 Refugee Council of United States Tel. (616) 555-0100 American Transcultural Mental Health Network Tel. (616) 555-0100 Things to remember.

Key Points

• Some forms of torture (such as beatings, amputation, rape and burns) harm the body and cause lasting scars
• symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and nightmares about the event that are so clear they seem real
• symptoms of torture and trauma in a child depend on the child’s age, development and their experience
• Treatment offered includes: Interpreters