Political VIolence

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	*for* *Survivors* *of Violence and Torture*

		*Building a Nation of Survivors*

The Political Violence Program The objective of services rendered by the Political Violence Programme is to deliver accessible mental health services to individuals, groups and communities in the Western Cape with some outreach to Eastern and Northern Cape. The program consists of two projects, namely: Torture and Refugees Projects. We render services to ex political prisoners, returned exiles, ex combatants, survivors of human rights violations and refugees (fleeing from war and natural disasters). Torture is a willful attempt to break down an individual’s personality, his body and soul. It can sometimes leave a penetrating, deeply damaging and lasting psychological impact on victims. The aim in the program is thus to heal the psychological wound of trauma, and prevent the survivor from remaining fixed at the point of torture. This is an attempt to restore self-respect and dignity and reintegrate the client with others. By attempting to reintegrate memories in a meaningful way, clients make possible new relationships and mental ties with others. Thereby encouraging a sense of solidarity and belonging in communities. The services rendered by our team are very diverse and consists of individual and group counselling (which incorporates various methodologies – psychotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural therapy , body mapping); advocacy; psycho education; awareness raising, networking and annual commemoration of two days promulgated by the United Nations (World Refugee Day and International Torture Day). Both refugees and survivors of human rights abuses suffer enormous losses –loss of relatives, contact with them and their home country, loss of social position, support network and cultural contact, unemployment, police harassment and xenophobic attacks. Thus Story telling is an integral tool used within our counselling. Art and clay work have also been used as tools within our counselling as very often people do not have the words to describe what they have experienced. Much negotiation and partnering is done with network partners and similar service providers in an attempt to enhance the work achieved by us and them, further development and capacity building. These partners are locally based (Community Healing Network), nationally (Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation) and internationally (African Network for Centres for prevention and survivors of Torture as well as IRCT – International Rehabilitation Council for Torture survivors. We are continuously working towards joint interventions – e.g. with Hearts of Men and Cape Town Refugee Centre. Breaking the silence and empowering people to advocate for themselves is of utmost importance, thus moving forward, finding/making meaning and reintegrating as dignified individuals. Our role is therefore to listen, respect, support and always encourage people ‘to hold the hope’.




				Some of our 2^nd generation clients having solo time on the beach front during the 2^nd generation camp



				Drumming used as a form of therapy



					Our Female former combatants on their journey of remembrance and tour through district six

THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL TORTURE DAY IN SUPPORT OF TORTURE SURVIVORS (25/06/2010)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the event was to “Demystify Torture”: Acknowledging that it does happen in South Africa and the world at large.

The event was specifically aimed at community members and service providers in the community. Its main aim was to raise awareness on torture as well as giving torture a name instead of calling it assault and often denying that it does even occur in South Africa.

To share information in terms of places to go to in the event that a person becomes a victim of torture.

PARTNERSHIPS

The Trauma Centre in partnership with the Institute for the Healing of Memories hosted the event. The partnership was formed as a result of the networks afforded by SANTOC.

KEY NOTE SPEAKER

The keynote address was given by Ms Carnita Ernerst from CSVR. A number of issues were addressed during the presentation and these were:

What is torture?

Why is it important to criminalise torture?

What is the government’s role in addressing torture issues?

How far is the Torture Bill process which is to eventually have torture criminalised?

The role of society in fighting torture

The impact of torture on the individual, community and society.

READINGS SHARED

A paper on Torture by Father Michael of the IHOM was read: the processes he is engaging on in the USA in fighting torture.
The Global Paper was read and it focused on the fundamental principles and values which informed the need to embark on the research of that nature. The findings could not be shared as the paper has not been published yet.
The Global message from the IRCT was read to inform attendants about the various forms of engagements taking place in fighting torture. To highlight the discourse on issues of torture in the world.

MARKETING AND AWARENESS RAISING

An exhibition was also part of the event. The exhibition featured different booklets on relevant services. Accounts from clients during various treatment programmes/sessions attended at the Trauma Center and IHOM.

A journal detailing accounts of torture survivors formed part of the exhibition. The journal served as a powerful tool as it featured the “voices of Torture”. The journal brought the victims to life and a chance to be heard without them being there. This served as an acknowledgement of the existence of torture in South Africa.

Flyers were also distributed with the following message:” SAY NO TO TORTURE AND VIOLENCE AND STRENGHTHEN OUR DEMOCRACY”

WAY FORWARD

This allowed for questions as well as suggestions on how to drive the agenda in the fight for torture forward. A number of issues were expressed in this session. These were:

The relevance and quality of services given to torture clients.
The role of service providers as well as community members.
The role of the institutions of primary socialisation
The governments priorities
Repatriation of torture survivors
Accessibility of services for torture survivors.

The event was a great success.

MODIFIED:

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

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