What are the psychological needs of survivors?

 

Who is tending to their mental and emotional health and facilitating their recovery?

 

We conduct public education activities to explain the effects of violence and how mental care can help individuals and communities regain control of their lives and reintegrate into society.

 

The psychological damage from torture can be overcome, but survivors may live with fear, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks long afterward. People can feel isolated in their struggle to live their daily lives and their ability to care for themselves and their families can therefore be diminished. Many torture survivors in Canada have come from countries where the state violates human rights every day. Upon arriving in Canada, having reluctantly fled their homeland, torture survivors have to cope with unfamiliar procedures of Refugee claims and authority, while struggling with traumatic experiences. Traditionally, emergency responses are focused on food, water, and shelter, while psychological needs are ignored or delayed. Mental health needs of survivors are poorly addressed due to resource allocation.

 

We hope to respond to those needs.