The Scope of Torture

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.

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.