Torture is the most serious violation of a person’s fundamental right to personal integrity. As a result of the torture they have suffered, many of our clients face severe physical and psychological challenges and experience depression, anxiety, loneliness and long-term health problems. Those who escape must leave behind their native land and culture and abandon all relationships including their family.

The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment defines torture as: “Any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him/her or a third person information or a confession…inflicted by or at the instigation or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.”

Torture is illegal under national and international law; yet many nations still employ torture as a means to terrorize and intimidate their citizens. The methods of torture are as varied as they are cruel: rape, whipping, suspension upside down, submersion in water to the brink of death, burning, and electric shocks to sensitive areas, among others. Psychological torture includes humiliation, degrading insults, threats (both personal and directed towards family members), and torturing loved ones in front of family and friends.

Torture devastates the physical and mental health of its victims, and interrupts family and communal life. For torture survivors who also fled the terror and chaos of war and civil strife, the trauma can be overwhelming, making it difficult to function on a day-to-day basis.

Surviving torture, however, is only the first obstacle: survivors also deal with feelings of depression, guilt, hopelessness, and powerlessness. In addition, the trauma of torture is compounded by the survivor’s flight from his/her native country, and by the challenges of adjusting to a new society and culture.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that up to 35% of all political refugees were tortured. The greater Los Angeles area is the nation’s leading port of entry for refugees and asylum seekers who have fled repressive governments.

Torture survivors come from every walk of life. They include academics, students, religious leaders, political leaders, journalists, small business owners and even professional athletes.

Treatment for torture survivors ideally requires a multidisciplinary approach, since the consequences of torture are acute and chronic, and may include physical, psychological, cognitive and socio-political problems. Our vision is to enable our clients to recover their health, sense of well being, and to become contributing members of their community. We believe that healing a person involves healing the whole individual; and that rebuilding the life of someone whose dignity has been destroyed requires long-term support and care.

Through our comprehensive services PTV helps survivors to heal their suffering and start a new life in Los Angeles. Clients receive medical treatment to improve the negative effects of trauma induced by torture and meet their unmet healthcare needs. We provide psychological evaluation, individual and family psychotherapy, and psychiatric evaluation and follow-up. In addition, PTV provides case management services to help torture victims receive the social services they need to appropriately adjust to a new life. Finally, staff prepares forensic medical and psychological evaluations and serves as expert witnesses in federal immigration court to assist torture survivors in receiving asylum. All services are confidential and free of charge.