Understanding Trauma
Knowing about trauma and torture and its impact on the individual is important when working with refugees. It is widely acknowledged that a large proportion of refugees have experienced some form of torture and/or trauma and many suffer the long-term effects of it.
The refugee experience may involve exposure to a number of tumultuous events, such as violence and upheaval in their home country, being arrested or attacked, losing loved ones, becoming an internal fugitive, escaping one’s homeland, suffering deprivation and overcrowding in refugee camps, and the stressful experience of attempting resettlement in a country of asylum (Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 1998). In addition to trauma, a large proportion of refugees may have also been subject to severe physical and/or psychological torture. It is estimated that up to 35% of the world’s refugee population have had at least one experience of torture (Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 1998).
It is certainly necessary for occupational therapists working in this field to develop an understanding of the trauma and torture experience of refugees, and its effects on individuals, families and communities. Developing an understanding of this area will help you to interact more appropriately and effectively with your clients, and facilitate you to develop the most appropriate interventions to assist refugees with resettlement.
Things you should know:
The physical and psychological sequelae of torture and trauma
Why its important to establish a trauma history
How to respond to an individuals trauma/torture account
How to establish if someone requires professional counseling beyond your professional capabilities
Local counseling and torture/trauma support services in your area
How torture and trauma effects children
Where to get more info:
Books, journal articles, studies, websites and resource guides that discuss torture and trauma issues (see below for a head start…)
Local support services, counseling services, foundations, groups and organizations dealing with torture and trauma survivors (a few Australian organizations have been listed below)
Attend relevant workshops, lectures, support groups and courses that address this topic
Talk to other professionals who have a background in this field
Where appropriate, talk to refugees about their experience
AUSTRALIAN BASED SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF TORTURE AND TRAUMA
Queensland
Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (Assn) Inc (QPASTT). QPASTT aims to provide assistance to people who have undergone, witnessed, or experienced torture or trauma, in or during flight from their homes and countries, or have experienced political, ethnic or religious victimisation or war. Services are free and confidential. Go to: http://www.qpastt.org.au/
New South Wales
Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). This NSW Service provides a holistic range of professional services to facilitate the healing process for refugees who have been exposed to torture and trauma. The service also provides early health assessment and intervention services to newly arrived people from refugee like backgrounds. Go to: www.STARTTS.org
Victoria
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc (VFST) is an Australian rehabilitation centre established to meet the needs of people in Victoria tortured or traumatised prior to their arrival in Australia.It is non-denominational, politically neutral and non-aligned. It provides a range of counselling and advocacy services, including family case-work, natural therapies. Services are free and confidential. Go to: www.survivorsvic.org.au/home.php
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc (VFST) also provides training opportunities. Their training modules and courses aim to increase the skills and knowledge of practitioners, volunteers and community members who work and interact with refugee survivors of torture and trauma. You can also download a current training calendar.
South Australia
Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service (STTARS). STTARS is a non-government, not for profit organisation with no political or religious affiliations. STTARS has been providing services to torture and trauma survivors in SA since 1991. It is a service that assists people from a refugee and migrant background who have experienced torture or been traumatised as a result of persecution, violence, war or unlawful imprisonment prior to arrival in Australia. Go to: http://www.sttars.org.au/
STTARS also provides Education and Training as an integral part their service. Education and Training sessions are available to schools, GP's, allied health providers, police, volunteers and other organisations who assist people from a refugee or migrant background.
Other information sources:
Marcussen H and Rasmussen OV (1991) Examining Torture Survivors: Articles and Guidelines: A Reference Book. International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, The Danish Medical Group and Amnesty International, Copenhagen.
Skylv G (1992) The physical sequalae of Torture, in Basoglu M (ed) Torture and its consequences: Current Treatment Approaches. Cambridge University Press, Glasgow.
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), Denmark, producers a quarterly journal Torture which carries articles and guidelines for working with survivors of torture.
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (1998) Refugee Health and General Practice. Melbourne Printing Professionals: Melbourne.
United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Children’s exposure to violence and Trauma Reaction: Report from a UNICEF Pilot study.
UNICEF (1996) The state of the World’s children 1996. Oxford University Press, New York. |
